Team Goemkarponn
MORMUGAO: Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) Chairman, Dr. N. Vinod Kumar, emphasized the importance of doubling the railway tracks and undertaking capital dredging as vital infrastructure projects for the port’s future development. Speaking on Friday, he outlined how these projects would enhance the port’s capacity and efficiency.
“The doubling of the railway line is a key factor for the port’s future, alongside capital dredging,” said Dr. Kumar. He explained that the port currently has a draft of 14.5 meters, which needs to be increased to 18.5–19 meters to accommodate larger cape-size vessels. “At present, these vessels have to offload some cargo before entering our port. The enhanced draft will ensure that cape-size vessels can directly dock at the port, making operations more efficient. Capital dredging, costing around ₹350–400 crore, will be a significant investment in securing the port’s future,” he added.
Highlighting the importance of cargo evacuation, Dr. Kumar pointed out that the port’s limited storage facilities necessitate swift movement of goods. “Doubling the railway line will facilitate faster cargo evacuation, which is crucial for a small port with limited storage facility like ours,” he stated.
Dr. Kumar also addressed the role of Heavy Machinery Cranes (HMC) in reviving container operations at the port. “Goa is a pharma hub, contributing 13% of India’s total exports. With HMCs, we can attract more pharmaceutical exporters by providing facilities comparable to Jawaharlal Nehru Port,” he said. He noted that utilizing MPA for exports would allow pharma companies to bypass road transport, significantly reducing their carbon emissions and environmental footprint.
The MPA Chairman reiterated the port’s commitment to adopting infrastructure upgrades that align with modern business needs and environmental sustainability, ensuring it remains a competitive and eco-friendly hub for global trade.
