The Gujarat government on Sunday gave its nod for a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) terminal at Bhavnagar port. With a proposed investment of Rs 1,900 crore, it would be the world’s first CNG port terminal.
The proposal was approved by Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani as a Chairman of Gujarat Infrastructure Development Board(GIDB). The terminal will be jointly developed by UK-based Foresight Group and Mumbai-based Padmanabh Mafatlal Group.
According to a report by The Indian Express, the proposed port is expected to have a capacity to handle 1.5 million metric tonne per annum (MMTPA).
In addition to the CNG terminal, the consortium of companies will also develop facilities like Ro-Ro terminal, liquid cargo terminal and container terminal at the Bhavnagar port. According to the report, the investment will be in two phases; in the first phase, Rs 1,300 crore will be invested, while in the second phase, Rs 600 crore will be invested.
The present port at Bhavnagar is managed by Gujarat Maritime Board(GMB). It currently has the capacity to handle three MMTPA cargo. With the addition of the new terminals, the overall capacity is expected to go up to nine MMTPA. In January this year, a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) was signed between GMB and Foresight Group during the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit.
The development of the CNG and other terminals will take part at the north side of Bhavnagar port, which will require considerable modifications of the existing marine infrastructure. This includes dredging in the water channel of the port basin, construction of two lock gates and off-shore infrastructure for CNG transportation.
“The state government has approved the group’s proposal. A detailed concession agreement will be signed with the entity shortly by GIDB to allow the company to start ground work to construct the new port facility,” an official was quoted as saying by The Times of India.
Also Read: Gujarat: CM Suggests To Promote Social Harmony In 32 Villages, Where Dalits Are Living Under Police Protection
