The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) cleared the Rs 1,707 crore multi-purpose berths and mechanised berths project at Kolkata Port Trust.

These projects, which would enhance the port cargo capacity by 23.4 million tonne (mn t), would come up at Haldia Dock II (North) and Haldia Dock II (South).

The projects would also enable the port meet the demand for coal and other bulk cargo in the hinterland of Kolkata Port.

The construction of multi-purpose berths and mechanised berths with allied facilities at Haldia Dock II (North) would cost Rs 821.40 crore, while the project at Haldia Dock II (South) would cost Rs 886.10 crore.

Both the projects would be undertaken on Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer basis for a period of 30 years.

Growth of cargo capacity at Kolkata Port would enhance industrial, commercial and trade development at the eastern and north eastern parts of India.

The projects are critical for meeting future needs for export and import of dry bulk cargo by various steel industries, power utilities and coal and iron ore mines and other local industries.

The two projects will also lead to the socio-economic development of the region and thereby generating more employment.