BS cited Mr Sanjeev Kumar Sahoo minister of state for transport and commerce as saying that the second phase work of the Gopalpur Port, being developed by Gopalpur Ports Limited is expected to be completed by October 2010. It has submitted the detailed project report for the second phase work which is under the consideration of the Orissa government.
The company commissioned the first phase in January 2007 and has handled a cargo of 53,195 tonne through 29 ships since then. The minister said during the bidding process, the consortium led by the Orissa Stevedores Limited projected a capital expenditure of INR 720 crore for the port. This includes INR 20 crore for upgradation and rehabilitation of existing lightrage port in the first phase.
However, the second phase work is divided into two stages with the first phase comprising of civil and marine works worth INR 483 crore and second stage envisaging another INR 217 crore investment. GPL has indicated the total investment to be INR 2000 crore in the second phase DPR which has been submitted to the state government. The revised investment proposals include INR 150 crore in the first phase, INR 1100 in the second phase and INR 750 crore for further expansion.
Mr Sahoo said regarding the progress of the project, the Orissa State Pollution Control Board has given its consent for the project and it has obtained the no objection certificate from the Central Ground Water Authority for withdrawal of ground water on March 12th 2009. The company has been asked to obtain the environmental clearance from the Union ministry of environment and forests and coastal zone management authority. It has so far invested INR 110 crore.
