Railway Budget 09-10: Kolkata Port may devise scheme for time-bound container movement

KOLKATA: Kolkata Port may look at devising a scheme based on premium service for container movement with assured transit time for time sensitive

cargo. This service of assured time bound container movement was announced by railway minister Ms Mamata Banerjee on Friday.

"Although we are yet to receive the fine print of the service announced, we may look at devising a scheme on its basis that will offer timebound movement of goods. At present, there is hardly any container movement through railroads in the region. The service may now create demand for container movement through railroads in the region," said a senior Kolkata Port official.

In addition, permission to access private sidings for containers will help attracting piecemeal traffic which at present is not being carried by the railways. This is also likely to create demand for container cargo in the region.

The concept of time bound container service has been welcomed by all segments of the industry. "At present, Container Corporation on India does not offer any time bound services through railroads. If the service is started, it is likely to result in faster turnaround of assets," said P V K Mohan, chairman, Committee of Containerisation, as well as chairman of Sea Way Shipping Ltd told ET.

"At present, one needs to wait indefinitely for railways to move containers since it waits for the entire rake to be loaded. This results in abnormal delays and losses to trade in some cases. We also assume this time bound movement will involve departure and arrival at a pre-defined time. However, the real success of this service will depend on consumer confidence," he added.

President, Indian Shipping Association, Mr Nopany said: "The railways have been introducing so many schemes as well as new trains and services on the existing infrastructure. The question that comes to mind is whether railways would be in a position to properly run these services and schemes. However, the idea of a time-bound programme is excellent specially for perishable cargo. Additionally, turnaround time for containers will be greatly reduced."