Kamarajar to act as an alternative for Chennai Port

The Dollar Business Bureau

In order to prevent the traffic congestion at Chennai Port, the traders will be using Kamarajar Port Ltd (KPL) as an alternative way to ship their products to other ports starting this Friday. The KPL will spend Rs.20 crore for deepening the creek to increase the flow of water from the port to the sea. After receiving the necessary approvals, the awarded agency would start work on this project.

Generally, it takes three or four days for container-laden vehicles to reach Chennai Port Trust after getting various clearances at different Container Freight Stations. To ease traffic congestion at the Outer Ring Road and Ennore Manali Road, the government has tried many strategies. Now, officials of both Chennai port and Kamarajar port have decided to make use of the marine highway for the movement of heavy containers.

The KPL has already bought 651 acres from Salt department for Rs.500 crore to construct a truck parking yard, stockyard, liquid cargo storage terminal and free warehousing zone. But, a group of environmentalists have accused the port of dumping materials in Buckingham Canal and Ennore creek. Since then troubles brewed up in the development of this port.

An official from KPL refuted the claim on the port for dumping ashes in the creek. He said that no ashes have been produced by the port. He confirmed that there are no effluents being generated in the land bought by the port. He invited the environmentalists to suggest some development measures to the port.

The purchased land comes under industries and hazardous zone as per Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA). As there are no huge waterbodies, the port has built a bund to protect the creek. Also works are going on for straightening and strengthening of KPL along with deepening the creek, he further added.