13th August, 2003
Ministry of Shipping  


TRANSIT ACCOMMODATION FOR SHIP PASSENGERS AT KOLKATA


RAJYA SABHA

The Andaman and Nicobar Administration has decided to provide transit accommodation at Kolkata for ship passengers. 3291 sq.mtr. land by the side of Coal Dock Road in Kokata was taken by A&N Administration on lease in two phases to construct a multi-storeyed transit accommodation having a total plinth area of 4940 sq.mtrs. and in the first phase it was proposed to construct 2031 sq. mtrs. Total amount spent so far by A&N Administration was Rs.2,44,72,090/- which includes lease rent, cost of construction of boundary wall and payment towards arbitration. This was stated by Shri Dilipkumar Mansukhlal Gandhi, Minister of State in the Ministry of Shipping in a written reply to Shri Murli Deora in Rajya Sabha today. In reply to another question the Minister stated that the feasibility of operating at least one passenger vessel from Haldia is being examined by A&N Administration on the grounds that it would reduce journey by 15.00 hours, where sailing would not depend on tide cycle and it may reduce costs etc. Transit accommodation was required to be maintained at the Coal Dock Road site, as it would continue to remain the main hub of the shipping activity for these islands.