Bengal: Port Authorities Convene for Revenue Enhancement Conference
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Synopsis
A two-day conference in Kolkata has commenced to strategize the improved utilisation of land and assets owned by port authorities across India, with a focus on enhancing revenue generation through port-led industrialisation.
Key Takeaways
- Strategizing optimal land utilisation for revenue increase.
- Discussion on port-led industrialisation initiatives.
- Collaboration among major port authorities in India.
- Focus on governance improvements for better land allotments.
- Creation of a roadmap for port-based industry promotion.
Kolkata, Feb 28 (NationPress) A two-day conference commenced in Kolkata on Friday aimed at enhancing the utilisation of land and other assets owned by port authorities nationwide.
The conference also focused on the utilisation of such land for port-led industrialisation. Discussions will cover various aspects of NAVIC Cell No 11 of the Mumbai Port Authority, which is responsible for land, assets, and port-led industrialisation in Mumbai and its vicinity.
The Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK), formerly known as Kolkata Port Trust, holds the title of the largest single landholder in Kolkata, with approximately 4,000 acres at its disposal.
Efforts have been underway for several years to monetise this asset through effective lease agreements and the establishment of port-based industries. The twelve major ports in India, including SMPK, are transitioning to become 'landlords', focusing on leasing property and assets rather than engaging in daily operations.
The conference is presided over by Rathendra Raman, chairperson of SMPK.
Attendees include Dr R P Kondiram, deputy director general of shipping in India, along with estate managers from major ports such as the Mumbai Port Authority, SMPK, Chennai Port Authority, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, Visakhapatnam Port Authority, Deendayal Port Authority, Paradip Port Authority, Cochin Port Authority, VoC Port Authority, New Mangalore Port Authority, Kamraja Port Authority, and Mormugao Port Authority.
The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority manages nearly 8,407 acres, while the Mumbai Port Authority has 2,333 acres at its disposal. The Chennai Port Authority also has around 827 acres. Despite their substantial land holdings, major ports have fallen short compared to private ones in terms of revenue generation.
While major ports may not match private ports in cargo handling due to specific limitations, the Union Ministry of Ports and Shipping believes they can optimise their land holdings for enhanced revenue generation, which is why conferences like this are essential.
Representatives from the Dredging Corporation of India (DCI) and members of the sub-committees formed for these meetings are also participating in deliberations in Kolkata.
Sanjoy Kumar Mukherjee, senior PRO of SMPK, stated, "The preparation of a roadmap for optimal utilisation of land assets and the promotion of port-based industries is a key focus of this conference. We will also address issues related to governance and improving land allotment by ports."
