Team Goemkarponn
MORMUGAO: Port stakeholders, including stevedores, transporters, contractors, and machinery owners, voiced strong opposition to the sudden handover of Berths 10 and 11 at the Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) to Delta Infralogistics Worldwide Ltd (DIWL). At a press conference held near the MPA gate on Monday, they alleged that the move has left many locals jobless and could impact the livelihoods of thousands.
The protest comes a day after the delegation submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, urging his intervention to reverse the decision and safeguard traditional local businesses.
Vinod Parkot from the Stevedores Association said the privatization of the last two active berths available to local stevedores would have a ripple effect on multiple sectors.
“Stevedoring plays a critical role in cargo handling and supports a wide range of jobs—from crane operators to laborers, supervisors, and machine operators. With Berths 10 and 11 now handed over to DIWL, we are left with no space to operate. Eight stevedoring firms are staring at closure, and countless workers face unemployment. We’ve made repeated appeals, but our concerns were ignored. We’ve now approached the CM, who has assured us he will convene a meeting with port officials soon,” Parkot said.
Vasco Truck Association’s Hemant Shetgaonkar echoed the concerns, claiming that the shift has pushed local transporters out of work.
“This is our traditional business, passed down from our forefathers. DIWL has already brought in its own dumpers, and now they plan to deploy more, leaving no space for local operators. Our trucks are idle, and our drivers and mechanics are jobless. We want written assurance of business continuity for the next 30 years, or we may have no choice but to take to the streets,” Shetgaonkar warned.
Milton Colasso, also from the Stevedores Association, stressed that the affected berths were the only remaining ones available to locals.
“Nearly all other berths have already been privatized. Our staff can’t be sustained without work, and layoffs are imminent. We urge the port to keep Berths 10 and 11 open for all operators so that everyone has a chance to survive. We are counting on the CM’s support to resolve this crisis,” Colasso said.
Contractor Yogesh Patil added that with access blocked, even allied sectors like contracting are collapsing.
“DIWL has barricaded the area, and we can’t operate. With no business for stevedores and transporters, we contractors are also left with nothing. Our workforce, including signalmen, operators, and local laborers, will soon be out of jobs. We urgently need the CM to step in with immediate solutions,” Patil stated.
The associations have maintained that their demand is for inclusive participation, not monopolization, of port operations.
