The state govt is trying hard to attract a private developer for development, marketing, and maintenance of Cuddalore Port for a concession period of 50 years. The Tamil Nadu Maritime Board recently extended its tender call for the third time amidst the ongoing elections and code of conduct. A strong pitch was made to woo investors during an infrastructure conclave organised in the city on Wednesday.
The govt has already invested ₹159crore in infrastructure development. This includes the extension of both the north and south breakwater, construction of a wharf, and dredging of the approach channel. “Bidders are asking a lot of queries ranging from revenue sharing to availability of more land besides assurances from the govt on concession period. Replies are being given. We are hopeful about getting a bidder when bid submission ends on June 20,” said a source.
A tender was floated last year for the marketing, operation, and maintenance of the brownfield port, aiming to maximize cargo over a 30-year concession period. This year, the scope of the bid has been expanded to include the development of a greenfield port, with an extension of the concession period.
According to an official, “The cargo potential for Cuddalore port has been projected at 13 MMTPA. Container volumes generated in central and western Tamil Nadu could largely benefit from 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.
Under the revised policy, the board would give license to the use of the brownfield port along with 112 acres of land for a 50- year period, extendable up to 99 years based on mutually agreed terms.
The govt poromboke land of 47acres adjoining the 3.6km waterfront would also be given as part of the concession. The developer would need to acquire additional backup land to build extra berths for handling higher-capacity vessels.