PANAJI
An order passed by the Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) granting Adani Mormugao Port Terminal Private Limited (AMPTPL) a big relief with downward revision of tariffs for handling and storage of coal.
One of the reasons cited for the decision in the order by the MPA chairperson is the company's claim that the planned 4-lane port connectivity highway is not yet operational which impedes faster evacuation of coal cargo from the port by onward road transportation.
The concessions granted include an increase of the free period (when no charges for storage are applicable) from the earlier 15 days to 25 days, from the day the coal cargo is fully unloaded from the vessel. The charges are nil for this 'free period'.
For the next five days from 26th to 30th day, charges will be Rs 2.94 per tonne per day, Rs 4.41 per tonne per day for the next five days from the 31st to the 35th day and Rs 5.89 per tonne per day from the 36th day onwards.
According to the previous tariff rates, it was Rs 68 per tonne per day from the 26th day onwards.
The MPA chairperson passed the order in March this year and it raises serious questions over the State government's oft repeated assurances that quantum of coal handled at the port will not be permitted to be increased.
In response to the sustained agitation against the three linear projects, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had on multiple occasions assured that the State will not permit any increase from current levels in coal handling at the Mormugao port.
The most recent assurance was on the floor of the Goa legislative assembly during the monsoon session held in July.
The Adani-owned AMPTPL imports coal through the Mormugao port and supplies it to power and steel plants in North Karnataka by onward rail and road transport. Those agitating against the three linear projects argue that the projects are solely aimed at facilitating coal transportation.
AMPTPL has handled between 4 and 5 million tonnes of coal every year since 2018-19.
Meanwhile, a top official of the MPA said the concessions granted in the tariffs could add up to several crores of rupees annually.
The revised rates of tariff, according to the order, take effect retrospectively from April 1, 2020 and MPA will be required to reimburse the excess money paid over the last two financial years, said the official who did not want to be identified as he was not authorized to speak to the media.
Coal operations had commenced at the Mormugao port by the Adani group company had begun in 2014 and operates from Berth No. 7 after the company won the private-public-partnership (PPP) basis project contract.
