Balmer Lawrie & Co has decided to set up a new container freight station (CFS) and a temperature controlled warehouse for fruits and vegetables. Independent feasibility studies are being undertaken for the two proposed projects.

For the proposed CFS location, the company is looking at two minor ports – one at Dhamra in Odisha and the other one at Kattupalli in Tamil Nadu. The proposed CFS will have the capacity to handle 3,000 containers per month. The relatively lower land cost at these two ports with container terminals is the primary rationale behind short listing of the possible site location.  A consultancy firm has been assigned to prepare the report within the next three months. Based on the feasibility report the locations would be finalised.

For the proposed weather-controlled warehouse to be located in West Bengal, the company is in the process of selecting a consultancy firm for doing the project due diligence. It would have a capacity of 3,000 pallets with a likely investment of around Rs 25 crore. It would cater to dairy, ice cream, fruits, vegetables sectors as well as meat importers or exporters.