GMB inks pact with Vadodara-based group firm for Rs. 4060 cr port at Dahej.

The Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) has entered into a concession agreement with Sterling Port Ltd. - a subsidiary of Vadodara based Sandesara Group - to develop the Dahej port in South Gujarat at an investment of Rs. 4060 crore.

'The environmental and CRZ (Coastal Regulation Zone) clearance for the project has been received and the construction is under progress. In the Phase-I, two solid cargo terminals, a liquid cargo terminal and a container terminal would be commissioned at the cost of about Rs 2500 crore, while in Phase-II, one terminal each for solid, liquid and container would be added,' said an official of GMB, a state-run nodal agency for port development in Gujarat.

GMB had invited competitive bids for development of Dahej port in Bharuch District on Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) basis. After evaluation of offers from various bidders, Sterling Port was shortlisted for development of the project.

The project has been awarded to Sterling Port Ltd for a 30-year concession to the company for development of an all weather direct-berthing port for handling dry bulk, liquid bulk and container cargoes at Dahej, the official added. The investment of Rs. 4060 crore will be spread over a period of 10-12 years.


THE INDIAN EXPRESS