The Hindu Business Line : Govt will duly address problems at Kolkata, Haldia port: Mukul Roy

“The development of the riverfront will receive a good deal of attention of the Government,” Mr Mukul Roy, Union Minister of State for Shipping, said.

Our Bureau

Kolkata, June 7 The problems facing Kolkata port, including the Haldia dock, will receive due attention of the Union Government, according to Mr Mukul Roy, Union Minister of State for Shipping.

Talking to Business Line at the end of his first meeting with senior officials of the port here on Saturday, Mr Roy said the Union Government was seized with the problems and would try its best to tackle them. He however conceded that the problems were complex and varied.

“The development of the riverfront will receive a good deal of attention of the government,” he observed.

Asked what other issues in port and shipping would receive the attention of the new government, he said it was too early to comment.

“We’ve attended our offices for one or two days and are, therefore, yet to acquaint ourselves fully with the important issues. Give us a little more time and we’ll get back to you,” he observed.

Earlier at the meeting with the Kolkata port officials, the Minister reviewed the problem of navigability of the Hooghly river, the issue of dredging and shore disposal for which port authorities would need about 1,000-1,200 acres of land, the proposed container terminal project at Diamond Harbour, the proposed jetties at Shalukhali where the State government had about 140 acres of land (which could be transferred to the port authorities to facilitate the construction of the jetty) and the problem facing the Kolkata port’s dock labour board.

He suggested the port authorities involve local MPs and district level political leaders to expedite the process of land acquisition.

“The local people must be convinced first that the projects are aimed at improving their lot,” he observed.

More Stories on : Shipping/Ports | West Bengal

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