Chennai:
Port Wings News Network:
The 75th Independence Day was celebrated at Kamarajar Port on 15th August 2021. Shri Sunil Paliwal, IAS., Chairman cum Managing Director, KPL hoisted the National flag at Port Administrative premises.
Due to covid 19 situation, the function was held with proper safety and social distancing protocols. CMD in his address emphasized the importance of the monumental occasion of 75 years of India’s Independence in the form of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ and briefed the activities undertaken by KPL viz., Health checkup camp / Eye camp in nearby village, competitions for the employees and their family members and supply of furniture items, electrical appliances and computer with accessories to Government Student Hostel. He informed that KPL would be undertaking many more such activities in coming months.
Shri Sunil Paliwal said: “Considering the increasing road traffic movement of import / export of cargoes, Port is executing the Southern port access road (Road widening from 2 lane to 4 lane) from Vallur to Port Main Gate at a cost of Rs.195 Cr through TNRDC. Works are in progress and expected completion by June 2022. Considering the increasing rail traffic of Kamarajar Port apart from existing rail connectivity, Port is implementing the Doubling of Southern Rail connectivity from Holding Yard-1 to Container Terminal Rail Yard inside KPL at a cost of Rs.70 Cr through IPRCL. Works are in progress and expected completion by May 2022.”
Shri Sunil Paliwal stated: “KPL has invited tender for Construction of Automobile Export and Import Terminal-2 on 02.06.2021. Estimated Project cost is Rs.188.13 Crores. 5 bids received on 16.7.2021 and evaluation in progress. Expected award by September 2021. IOCL is developing a Captive Oil Jetty at KPL at an investment of Rs.921 Cr with a capacity of 3 MTPA for handling POL, LPG and Lube Oil Base stock (LOBS). Tenders for EPC were invited by IOCL during March 2021 and bids evaluation in progress. Expected award by September 2021.”
“Pandemic affected the cargo handling performance of KPL in a visible manner. During 2020-21, KPL handled 25.89 Million Tonnes of cargo throughput which was 18.46% decline over previous year. However, Port has achieved a robust growth of 82% in the current year till July 2021 as compared to the same period last year. During the FY 2020-21, KPL earned a total income of Rs.587.42 Cr (audited) and PAT of Rs.152.71 Cr. For the FY 22 (Till July), the income earned is Rs.265 Cr (provisional and unaudited),” Shri Sunil Paliwal added.
Further, CMD, KPL highlighted the important milestones achieved by the Port. He also distributed cash award to the children of KPL employees/CISF Personnel and Self Help Group Women deployed at Kamarajar Port for their performance during the academic year 2020-21.