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First ship with cars likely to berth in Kolkata by June-end |
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KOLKATA:In the last week of June, a ship carrying cars is expected to berth at Kolkata port. While import and export of vehicles by sea is common, this consignment will arrive from Chennai and will be the first one of its kind to reach Kolkata. If things work out, more cars will arrive in Kolkata using the coastal shipping route route. This eco-friendly mode of transport will also bring down costs.
"Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT) officials are finalising details with a Chennai-based car manufacturer for sending cars through this route. Export of cars from the Chennai port used to take place but the port started sending cars to domestic destinations like Pipavav in Gujarat earlier this year. This will be the first time that a ship with cars will move towards Kolkata. The company is interested to try out this mode of transport," a KoPT official said.
It makes sense for car manufacturers to use the sea route. For one, they can use the green tag that is quite popular nowadays. Secondly, the Centre has offered certain sops to those using coastal shipping to transport vehicles. Manufacturers have been promised an incentive of Rs 3,000 per vehicle by the Centre if they use ships.
"Though such movement takes more time, more cars can be transported at one time. It also reduces traffic congestion on highways and reduces pollution. A Roll On-Roll Off (Ro-Ro) vessel berthing in Kolkata can carry cars for other eastern and northeastern states. This will also promote coastal shipping. Other items can also be moved in a similar fashion, thereby bringing down pressure on highways. The Ministry of Shipping has also instructed major ports to allow special incentives to coastal vessels. Wharfage rates will also be low for the car manufacturers," the official added.
KoPT is keeping its fingers crossed. If one manufacturer is successful, others are likely to follow suit. There are several auto manufacturers in southern India who may finally use ships to transport vehicles to dealers in coastal states. Other ports in south India are also toying with the idea of domestic movement of cars.
Source : timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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