Orissa Stevedores (OSL) is likely to bag the project for development of minor port in Gopalpur into a major port. The company is emerging as the only contender for the job after the technical bid.

Apart from OSL, the consortium has Sara International and Noble Group as partners. Meanwhile, the financial bid of OSL is expected to be opened in a few days.

The Orissa government, few months back, has invited bids for development of seasonal port at Gopalpur on BOOST basis.

Initially five consortiums has shown interest in the project. They are

• Integrax Barhad in association with Muhibhan Engineering (M) Barhad of Malaysia
• OSL led consortium with Sara International and Noble group as partners
• BHP Minerals
• Larsen and Toubro in association with Kakinada Seaports Ltd
• Infrastructure Leasing & Finance Ltd in association with Hili Company Ltd.

However, the first two consortiums only participated in the technical bid. Later, the Malaysian company withdrew leaving only OSL in the race.

The public sector RITES, an undertaking of the Railways, has been appointed as the consultant for the bidding process.

Also see:

Five companies keen to develop Gopalpur port (08-Oct-04)