The Hindu Business Line : KCCI looking at potential for biz with Lakshadweep

Considering the potential for business with Lakshadweep Islands, the Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) is planning to approach the Lakshadweep administration to set up a dedicated berth in Mangalore.

Addressing a press conference here on Wednesday, the new KCCI President, Capt. J.P. Menezes, said that a number of goods are being transported from the Mangalore port to Lakshadweep.

KCCI will approach the Lakshadweep administration to consider setting up a berth at Mangalore, he said, adding, "We also want the New Mangalore Port Trust to take it up with the Lakshadweep administration.

"We want to explore the potential of a place close to us."

It may be mentioned here that the Lakshadweep administration plans to set up a dedicated berthing facility at the Kochi port for the passenger and cargo ships plying between the mainland and the islands.

KCCI is also looking at West Asia as a transhipment point. Currently, containers from the New Mangalore port go to either Colombo or the Jawaharlal Nehru port. Considering the growth of container cargo, it is essential to explore container services to Dubai, he said. More connectivity of container feeders to West Asia will help improve the traffic throughput of the New Mangalore port.

He said KCCI would offer its services to market bunkering services, which the New Mangalore port wants to provide.

Airport expansion

Stating that the expansion of the airport will unveil new opportunities for Mangalore, he said the strategic location of the airport could help it become a gateway to the Seychelles, the Mauritius and East Africa.

There is also potential to operate flight services to Male in the Maldives and Agatti in Lakshadweep.

There is a good scope for exporting perishable commodities and local delicacies to West Asia, and the target is to push five tonnes of cargo for every flight from Mangalore, he said.

Doubling of railway lines

With the growth in the coastal region, there is a need for selective doubling of railway lines along the Konkan Railway network. More cargo trains are needed along the route, he said.

Steps will be taken to put pressure on the authorities concerned to improve the condition of the national highways and other roads in Mangalore, he said, adding that there is also a need to develop arterial roads to feed cargoes to the NMPT.

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