NEW DELHI: Indian Visakhapatnam port has handled 58.2 million tonnes of cargo during 2014-15, less than 58.5 million tonnes handled as compared to previous year, according to port authorities.
They said the ongoing project works affected cargo-handling at the port and there was also slump in bulk cargoes such as iron ore. The cyclone Hudhud which hit the city in October last year also had its impact on the port’s performance.
There has been slump in iron ore exports due to the policy of the Government and also reduced demand from China. The port is also facing stiff competition from the ports in the vicinity such as Gangavaram, Kakinada and Paradip. There has been diversion of container cargo to Krishnapatnam port, which has developed a modern container terminal.
There has, however, been spurt in import of steam coal, especially from Indonesia, during the year which has to an extent offset the slump in other cargoes such as coking coal.
At present, several projects worth more than Rs. 3,500 crores are under progress in the port including construction of new berths and strengthening of the existing ones besides mechanisation of handling facilities. It is expected that the port’s performance would improve substantially during the current financial year.
