India's Cabinet approves redevelopment of Berths 8, 9 and Barge Berths at the Port of Mormugao, Goa
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given its approval for ‘Redevelopment of Berths 8, 9 and Barge Berths at the Port of Mormugao, Goa on Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode’ at an estimated cost of Rs. 1145.36 crore. The project will be completed within 36 months from the date of award of concession.
The project envisages reconstruction of 3 old berths and replacement of 38 year old equipment by creating facilities for handling a variety of cargo like iron ore, bauxite, gypsum, limestone, fertilizers, steel coils and other general cargo at Mormugao Port catering to ships up to 1,85,000 DWT. The existing capacity of these old berths with 38 year old iron ore handling equipment is 13 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA). As a result of modernization of berths, more efficient operations due to this project and utilization of deeper draft of 19.5 Mts. being created in the port, an incremental capacity of 6.22 MTPA would be added.
Construction activity includes construction of berths, buildings, railway lines, dredging and reclamation and installation of equipment. The construction process particularly the civil works are labour intensive and will lead to employment generation. The direct and indirect employment in this regard will be about 400 people per day. The project will contribute to industrial growth of Goa. The project will have a positive effect on industries such as steel, power, iron ore, agriculture and cement.
This project is primarily meant for export of iron ore to meet the growing demand of Goan iron ore due to the lifting of ban on export of iron ore.