The State, it seems, is trying hard as TN Maritime
Board has called for the tender the third time. A strong pitch was made to woo investors during an
infrastructure conclave organised in Chennai recently.
For infrastructure
development of the port, the state government has already invested ₹159crore…It is reported
that bidders are asking for more land bank for expansion of facility and
assurance from the government over the concession period.
Cargo potential at the Cuddalore port is projected at 13MMTPA. Containerised
cargo volumes generated in central and western Tamil Nadu could easily be
exported through this port. Currently,
the ICD traffic is managed by Cochin Port whereas 60% of direct exports are
channelled through VOC Port.
Cuddalore Port primarily
functions as an anchorage port. Larger vessels are unable to dock at the port
and generally anchor offshore, where cargo is transferred using lighters and
steel barges.