The Private-Public Partnership Advisory Committee (PPPAC) has approved the Rs 3,686-crore mega container terminal of the Chennai Port Trust (ChPT). RFP for the terminal is likely to be invited soon.

The proposed container terminal is likely to increase the Chennai port's annual container terminal handling by 4 million TEUs (twenty foot equivalent units) to the present capacity of 2.2 million TEUs. ChPT is expected to award the project contract by March 2010.

The terminal to be built on BOT basis is likely to have a 2-km long quay length in a straight line at the new outer harbour, with a 2.75 km extension of existing outer arm breakwater and a new northern breakwater of about 1.73 km emanating from the Eastern Breakwater of the fishing harbour.

While the selected bidder is estimated to invest Rs 3,125 crore; the rest of the investment is to be made by ChPT. The 90 ha behind the terminal is likely to be the back-up and storage area which has to be reclaimed.

Also See:

ChPT plans multipurpose berth, multilevel car park at Chennai Port (26-Aug-09)