India Ports Global Ltd ( IPGL) had commenced its operations at Shahid Beheshti Port of Chabahar on 25th December 2018 and has completed 18 months of smooth operations. During this period it not only handled container and Bulk cargo vessels, but also livestock and heavy lift cargo vessels.
After initial struggle IPGL finally has some good news !
The integration of Chabahar port with the Free Zone was approved by the Iranian Guardian Council in February 2020. Subsequently a MOU has been signed between PMO and Free Zone Authorities on 9th June 2020 for implementation of laws and regulations of the Free Zone in the port of Chabahar. The inclusion of the port in the Free Zone is expected to boost the cargo through the port.
Transit of export consignment from Afghanistan thru Chabahar commenced in February 2019 as trickle and has now showing a healthy upward trend. On 30th June, the IPGL terminal loaded 76 TEUs (all refrigerated) for India. This is record single loading and is a mile stone in growth path of Shahid Behesti Port of Chabahar.
Earlier on 28th June, the port also handled the fourth consignment (300 TEUs) of wheat aid cargo from India to Afghanistan. This is part of 75000 MT of India’s humanitarian aid from Government of India to people of Afghanistan. The trade is also upbeat with the announcement that Ghazanfar Bank of Afghanistan will soon open a branch in Chabahar. It is understood that the bank has received requisite permit from Central Bank of Iran.
IPGL now has a water front of over 1200 mts (with 70 Ha of back up area), where 4 nos post panama vessels can berth.
With “exceptions” granted by USA to the port, Chabahar is all set to scale greater heights.
We all Indians are proud at the success of our first ever port investment overseas.
