Adani Ports’ bid for a contract at Kolkata Port is reportedly lower than the set rate of Rs 2,127 per loaded TEU, allowing the private port operator to strengthen its presence on the east coast of India. Despite this, the Kolkata Port Authority has yet to consider the bid and will make a decision after the Lok Sabha elections.
Once the contract is awarded, Adani Ports is expected to take control of the berths in November as the current contract with Bharat Kolkata Container Terminals ends. The private port operator plans to invest around Rs 569.85 crore in upgrading infrastructure at the port, including adding new cranes and equipment to improve operations and efficiency.
The investment includes the addition of Mobile Harbour Cranes, Rubber Tyred Gantry Cranes, Reach Stackers, and Tractor Trailers. Adani Ports will install Mobile Harbour Cranes at four berths and handle containers from geared vessels on one berth. Kolkata Port also has plans to privatize berths 7 and 8 of Netaji Subhas Dock, along with a 25-acre backup area.