NEW DELHI: To fast track development of major ports, government is mulling giving land parcels of state-run ports to private players “on lease” for various projects. India’s top 12 major ports have an estimated 2.4 lakh acres of land, a substantial chunk of which could be utilised for port projects.
“There are separate plans for Kolkata and Mumbai ports. We are making two smart cities at Kandla and Paradip, studies for which have begun. Private players could be part of our projects but land to them will be strictly on the basis of lease,” Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari told PTI.
He said as development activities are gaining momentum, a large number of projects have been initiated at ports. “I am against the idea of selling any government property to private players,” the minister stressed. Land parcels available with major ports could be given to players for a maximum period of 30 years on lease through tender cum auction.
An official said for Mormugao Port Trust, the lease rental has been fixed at Rs 23 lakh per annum per acre. For Kamrajar Port, it has been fixed at 5.89 lakh per annum for project related activities, while for cargo related activities it has been fixed at Rs 18.19 lakh per annum.
