Signs of difficulties overcome at Vallarpadom ICTT box terminal
2012 05 24
- Details
THERE are signs that difficulties faced by the India's International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) at Vallarpadom are being overcome as export cargo is arriving for processing via nearby Kochi despite cabotage restrictions which are said to be thwarting development of the facility as major transit hub.
"Until now, no shipping company was interested to route cargo via Kochi. All of them were focusing on ports outside Kerala, especially the Chennai Port. Cargo from Bangalore used to be sent to Chennai. The new development is a positive indication that shipping companies are interested to tap the potential of ICTT," said a senior official of the Dubai Port World, which operates the terminal.
Four trains conduct services every week connecting the Bangalore ICD with ICTT, reports the Indian Broadcasting Network. The Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) manages the existing train services between the ICTT and other ICDs.
"The flow of cargo from Bangalore ICD was nominal when the ICTT was commissioned in February this year. It was around just 200-300 TEU per month. Since then, there has been considerable growth in the flow of cargo during the past six months. By July-August in 2011, the volume of cargo went up to around 800 TEU per month," sources said.
In line with the trend, a train carrying empty containers from the ICTT, Vallarpadam, recently left for Bangalore. The containers will be sent back after they are loaded with cargo at the Inland Container Depot (ICD) in Bangalore, said sources in the DP World.
"A full rake [railcar unit carrying 90 TEU] was sent by CMA CGM which operates mainline services to Europe and Africa via Kochi. The stuffed containers are expected to be back for shipping in a few days," said DP World officials.
Gherkins, garments, granite and machinery constitute a major part of cargo from the Bangalore ICD.
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