SC allows Paradip Port Trust to reinvite bids for coal berth

The SC has allowed Paradip Port Trust to re-invite financial bids for developing a deep draught coal berth at Paradip. However, it asked PPT to keep its decision in abeyance till further orders.

The Supreme Court has allowed Paradip Port Trust to re-invite financial bids for developing a deep draught coal berth at Paradip. However, it asked PPT to keep its decision in abeyance till further orders.

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The project, which envisages constructing coal-handling facilities for about 10 million tonnes at Paradip Port, is a major infrastructure project to enable the port to enhance its coal-handling capacity and would generate revenue of around Rs 150 crore per year.

A Bench headed by Justice B Sudershan Reddy, while issuing notice to the Ministry of Shipping, Road, Transport and Highways and Jindal Steel and Power Ltd, allowed PPT to re-invite financial bids from the short-listed bidders.

The Ministry on May 13 had directed the Port to re-invite financial bids from the short-listed bidders for whom security clearance was granted. The short-listed bidders excluded JSPL, which was found ineligible in 2007.

"In the meanwhile, it shall be open to the petitioner to take an appropriate decision in the matter pursuant to the letter dated May 13, 2009, issued by the Government of India, Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways but the decision which may be so taken shall not be given effect to until further orders," the Bench stated.