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Cargo
traffic at MbPT dips 18 per cent in April, May
Our Corporate Bureau
Mumbai, June 14: The Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT) has posted
an 18 per cent decline in cargo-traffic in the first two months
of the current financial year. This follows a 11 per cent decline
in cargo traffic to 27.6 mn tonne in 2000-01 as against 30.4 mn
tonne in the previous year. During the year under review, Paradip
Port registered the highest growth in cargo traffic at 46 per cent
followed by JNPT which recorded a 24 per cent growth. MbPT, chairman,
AK Mago anticipated a further decline in the current year when he
said that the target put forth by the ministry of shipping of 27.8
mn tonne too would be difficult to achieve.
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Cut in THC on cards
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To counter the threat from JNPT, MbPT has
conducted an assessment of its terminal handling charges (THC).
It has submitted a proposal to the Tariff Authority for Major
Ports (TAMP) for a reduction of THC by 30 per cent. A final
decision from TAMP is expected shortly, Mr Mago said. THC has
three components viz, transportation, port charges and stevedoring
charges. The port charges are as notified by TAMP while transportation
and stevedoring charges are variable and the assessment showed
that this could be brought down.
NSCIT had recently increased its THC by 16 per cent while JNPT
is also to follow suit, industry sources said |
As a fallout of the decline in cargo traffic, MbPT has shown an
operating deficit of Rs 87.29 crore for the year 2000-01. Operating
income during the year was Rs 501.49 crore while the operating expenditure
was Rs 588.78 crore. However, the net deficit works out to Rs 488.06
crore on account of payment of arrears of salaries and wages and
compensation for VRS employees, Mr Mago said.
The chairman said the wage bill accounts for 75 per cent of the
total income which it proposes to bring to around 35-40 per cent
maximum. He indicated that the employee strength which now stands
at 23,190 would be brought down further by another VRS.
Meanwhile, following the change in guidelines by the government
permitting offers on a gross revenue sharing basis, the port has
decided to call for fresh offers for the privatisation of container
terminals, other general cargo terminal and dry docks. The management
has also been successful in persuading the union to drop 10 holidays
during the year. The port will now have three holidays viz Republic
day, Labour day and the Independence day.
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