The Port of Mumbai is to lease 2.5 ha of land at Petroleum Godown to Ultratech Cement for a period of 30 years. Here, a fully automated cement handling terminal will be built, incorporating a 100% dust suppression system. The facility, which will be equipped with portable unloaders, is due to become operational within 18 months. The $15.5 million cost will result in storage capacity of 30,000 tonnes being created, along with a bagging plant and other ancillary facilities.

Mumbai generates annual demand of 1.25 million tonnes of cement, which currently has to be moved by either road or rail from neighbouring states, given the lack of a dedicated facility within the city itself. This, in turn, generates daily traffic of 350 trucks, adding to the city’s congestion. BC