Question : CAPACITY UTILISATION OF PORTS

(a)  whether the capacity of Indian ports is not being utilized properly;

(b)  if so, the details thereof;

(c)  whether the berthing timing of ships at the Indian Coast is quite high, resulting in delayed loading/unloading of goods;

(d)  if so, the details thereof;

(e)  the corrective action taken in the matter;

(f)    the details of works carried out for the development of the ports; and

(g)  the progress made by the Government in this regard?

MINISTER OF SHIPPING (SHRI G.K. VASAN)

(a):  Madam, the capacity of Indian ports is being utilized properly.

(b):  Does not arise.

(c) & (d): Average turnaround time of Indian Ports is 3.87 days for the period 2008-09. Average pre-berthing time for the Indian ports is 39.09 hours for the same period.

(e): Marine Infrastructure like procurement of high power tugs, Pilot launches, Marine launches etc. is being upgraded. The pre-berthing time is due to ships waiting for their scheduled window berthing facility, non-readiness of custom documents etc. The ports are continuously liaising with the vessel and cargo agents towards reducing the pre-berthing delay on account of these factors.

(f) & (g): All the major ports have taken up various berth construction procurement of equipment, port connectivity and channel deepening projects under NMDP. There are 276 projects at a cost of 55803.73 crores to be taken up under National Maritime Development Projects. Out of these 50 projects at a cost of Rs. 5717.28 crores have been completed. Work is in progress for 74 programmes. The estimated cost of these 74 projects is Rs. 16502.68 crores.