Promoters likely to approve Kulpi port project on Dec 18

TIMES NEWS NETWORK[ THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2006 12:57:36 AM]

KOLKATA: Kulpi port might soon become a reality. The promoters of Bengal
Ports, the operator of Kulpi, are expected to approve the detailed
project report (DPR) for the proposed port complex and the adjacent
special economic zone (SEZ) at its board meeting on December 18 at Dubai.

Kulpi port is jointly promoted by DP World, Keventers Agro and West
Bengal Industrial Development Corporation (WBIDC). If the DPR is
approved, Bengal Ports will then formally approach the West Bengal
government to acquire 3,200 acres at Kulpi, close to Diamond Harbour in
south 24 Parganas.

The cost of land is expected to be about Rs 150 crore.
The proposed port will be built over 700 acres, while the SEZ will come
up on the balance 2,500 acres. Total investment planned is around Rs 700
crore. The project will be built in phases, with the two jetties coming
up in the first phase. The Keventer group holds 44.5% in Bengal Ports.
DP World holds another 44.5%, while WBIDC holds the rest 11%.
The Dubai government-owned DP World is an international marine terminal
operations and development group. It has recently taken over P&O Ports,
a UK-based port operator with 29 container terminals and logistics
operations in over 100 ports in 19 countries.

Due to DP Ports’ involvement, the December 18 meeting will be held at
Dubai and is likely to be attended by West Bengal commerce and industry
minister Nirupam Sen and chief secretary Amit Kiran Deb, apart from MK
Jalan of Keventer group. DP World MD Anil Watts will also be present.

Talking to ET, state commerce and industry secretary Sabyasachi Sen
said: “There is a board meeting on December 18 at Dubai and the board
will take a final call on the twin projects. However, there are certain
issues with Kolkata Port that we are trying to resolve. Once the Bengal
Ports board clears the proposal, we will take a look at the land
acquisition issue.”

Bengal government circles said Bengal Ports intends to acquire land on
the ‘Rajarhat model’ to avoid any controversy. Sources indicate Bengal
Port may request the government to acquire and hand over the 3,200 acre
by June 2007, so that they can start construction of the port as well as
the SEZ.

Keventer group chairman MK Jalan said: “The project is progressing at a
very fast pace.”
An e-mail sent to DP World’s internal communication officer Elaine
Cairns elicited no response.
Bengal Ports sources indicate that a new company christened Port Co will
be formed soon. This will manage and operate the functions of Kulpi Port
for a fee. The licence to operate the port will possibly be for 50 years.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/642211.cms