Visakhapatnam Multi-modal Logistic Park ready: Kalyanarama, Chairman / CONCOR.

The maritime business is moving towards multi-modal logistics parks (MMLP) and setting up of such parks close to ports and in the hinterland will bring down the logistics cost and also promote containerisation, said Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) Chairman V. Kalyanarama. He was here to participate in the East Coast Maritime Business Summit.

According to Mr. Kalyanarama, the Visakhapatnam MMLP built on 100 acres is ready for operation, with warehouses and other facilities including a railway line. “We have spent to the tune of Rs. 450 crore on building the MMLP. Further, we are taking up such parks at Kakinada and Krishnapatnam ports also. We have acquired the land and we will begin the work soon,” he said.

He said containerisation was happening in the country but not at the expected pace. According to him Andhra Pradesh has the potential to play a key role on the east coast, as containerisation is moving east. Mr. Kalyanarama said CONCOR would soon take up construction of an MMLP at Paradip Port in Odisha.

He said 15 MMLPs were in various stages of construction and 12 more were being planned. “For an MMLP we need at least 100 acres, with warehouses and a railway line,” he said.

According to him GST would be a game changer and it would usher in a paradigm shift in the maritime trade in the country and it would also give a great boost to containerisation.

He appreciated the AP government for leading a port-led development post bifurcation of the State and expressed satisfaction that many of the non-major ports were also trying to set-up container terminals.

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