Augmentation of infrastructure at JNPT and at Air Cargo Complex

By Vijay Kumar

AN interactive session with trade and stakeholders on "Ease of Doing Business- Single Window clearance" was held in Mumbai recently with Mr.Jayant Sinha, Minister of State (Finance) chairing the session. He stated that a tax system should be simple and predictable; client satisfaction is of utmost importance and issues should be resolved in a time-bound manner. Several issues were discussed in the meeting.

Issue: Augmentation of infrastructure at JNPT and at Air Cargo Complex

This issue was sponsored by Mumbai Customs Brokers Association (BCHAA). BCHAA representative stated that at present, there is a single road catering to all three terminals of JNPT and since fourth terminal is coming up, the infrastructure needs immediate upliftment. Further, there is a need for an additional railway line.

Chairman, JNPT informed that a 6/8 lane evacuation corridor is proposed at a project cost of Rs. 3200 Cr. and to be executed by NHAI. Tendering process date is expected to be decided by 15th July 2015. As regards Railway Line, he stated that the same is to be executed as part of Dedicated Freight Corridor and execution may take 2.5 to 3 years before the operation of Phase I of Terminal IV. Chairman, JNPT assured that a timeline would be intimated. The MoS emphasized that the milestones stated above should be adhered to and the same should be monitored. He stated that he would review the same before the next meeting.

BCHAA representative also raised the issue of lack of augmentation of infrastructure at air cargo complex over last decade. MIAL representative stated that new "Heavy Cargo Export Shed" would be ready by October/November of this year as 70% of the work in this regard is completed. Further, New Bonded Cargo Terminal also would be ready by the same time. As regards New Integrated Common User Terminal, he said that it is developed jointly with Air India and the Phase I proposal was submitted to the Ministry for approval. As regards Enhancement of Truck Docks Access Roads, he stated that the Master Plan for the same has been sent to the State Government for Approval as it involves various agencies. As regards Extension of Perishable Cargo Terminal, he stated that the same was completed in February 2015.

The Minister advised the stakeholders to form a small "Working Group" headed by Commissioner of Customs (General), Air Cargo Complex, Mumbai to brainstorm solutions to ensure time-bound implementation of timelines given by MIAL.