October 11, 2008

Mumbai Port to develop coal loading terminal at Haji Bunder

Exim News Service has reported that Mumbai Port Trust plans to sign an agreement soon with the Central Railway to develop a special terminal at Haji Bunder for loading imported coal. The new road and rail links would ensure that the traffic to and from the port did not affect traffic within the city.

Mumbai Port Trust official said Mumbai Port Trust has offered around 17.8 acres of land at Haji Bunder to the Railways for constructing the terminal. The official elaborated that the port is planning major expansion program to develop better road and rail infrastructure.

The report added that Mumbai Port Trust had sought the necessary infrastructure from the Railways to directly load up to 4 million tonnes of imported coal on to rail wagons.

At present, Mumbai Port Trust operates on the railway line connected to the main broad gauge lines of the Central and Western Railways at their interchange railway yard at Wadala. The port authorities’ decision follows the government announcement of the “Own Your Rake” or “Own Your Wagon” scheme.