AMTOI (Association of Multimodal Transport Operators of India), organised its Eastern Region conference in Kolkata on Sept 7th, 2022. The discussion focused on Ports & Infra development in Eastern Region, along with its opportunities & challenges.
Shri Vineet Kumar, IRSEE, Chairman of Shyama Prasad Mookherjee Port was present at the occasion as the Chief Guest. He spoke at length about how the improved infrastructure facilities of the port, trans-shipment at anchorage, improved productivity is benefiting the trade and towards growth of the economy. He said that they are constantly working towards addressing the challenges that remain as hindrances to ease of working in the ports, while adding that the inland waterways are going to be a game changer in bringing the cost index down and with waterways. The cargoes can now be sent to North East India using Kolkata Port to Chittagong and then by barge to Tripura and other north eastern destination at much lower costs and faster transit times.
The Guests of honour Shri Sabyasachi Hajara, Ex CMD of Shipping Corporation of India and present Chair – Logistics of BCC&I and Shri Pramod Srivastava, MD of PDP group and ICD Durgapur also spoke about the impact of inland waterways and ICDs in transforming Kolkata port and the logistics scenario of Eastern India. Mr Hajara stressed on the future development of inland waterways system, which according to him, will create a boom in the entire region. Mr. Srivastava gave insights in the great work that is ongoing at IRSEE and said that the fruits of labour will be reaped in times to come.
According to the National President of AMTOI Shri Xerrxes Master, AMTOI and its associate bodies are working closely along with the government in formulating the policies and that government regularly seeks its opinion and guidance. It works closely with the authorities and the key stakeholders, help improve and develop world class infrastructure that will add value to the vibrancy of the Eastern Region.
The conference witnessed a huge attendance of owners & senior professionals of organizations within the industry domain along with related service providers. Shri Eshor Raj Poudel – Counsul General of Nepal and representatives from Bhutan also graced the occasion.
The convener of the Eastern Region Chapter Brij Lakhotia, MD of Pinnacle Logistics (India) Pvt Ltd., expressed his satisfaction on the large turnout. He said that the discussions will pave way for the development in eastern region especially Ports and Infra development to further bring down the cost index of logistics, contributing to the growth of eastern region and the country as a whole.
AMTOI, under whose aegis the seminar was conducted, is the only Pan India trade body in shipping and logistics industry with current membership strength of over 350+ MTO’s in shipping and logistics, and associate members constituting of CFS operators, tank container operators, ship owners, shipping agents and Air Freight owners.
