APSEZ, Dharti fined over Dahej-Ghogha ferry service dredging points, says Gujarat authorities

THE STATE authorities Tuesday advised the Legislative Assembly 5 complaints have been acquired over lack of normal dredging for the Dahej-Ghogha Ro-Ro ferry service within the final two years and fines have been imposed on Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) and Ms Dharti Dredging and Infrastructure Pvt Ltd on this regard.
In a written reply to Congress MLA Gyasuddin Sheikh’s query throughout the Question Hour on the quantity spent on dredging for the Dahej-Ghogha ferry service over the past two years, the federal government said in Rs 30.85 crore was spent on dredging in 2019 and Rs 7.80 crore was spent in 2020.
In response to supplementary questions requested by the Congress MLA, the federal government stated that 5 complaints had been acquired in opposition to the contractors, who got the duty of dredging throughout this two-year interval. When requested what steps have been taken in opposition to the erring companies, the federal government said Rs 85 lakh was recovered from upkeep dredging contractor, APSEZ, in superb for failing to complete the work on time. In addition, the federal government additionally suspended the final fee of Rs 20.67 crore since January 2020, it stated. The authorities said {that a} committee has additionally been shaped to look into the fee situation.
Apart from APSEZ, the federal government has confiscated the efficiency financial institution assure and retention financial institution assure, price Rs 27.75 crore, from capital dredging contractor, Dharti Dredging and Infrastructure Pvt Ltd.
The Hyderabad-based Dharti Dredging was given a capital dredging contract of Rs 192 crore plus taxes, whereas APSEZ had a contract of Rs 46.06 crore plus taxes. In addition to those two companies, M/s Divine Shipping Service was given a pontoon dredging contract of Rs 37 lakh plus taxes.
The Indian Express had earlier reported the Ghogha-Dahej ferry service has been suspended since March 2020 on account of points associated to dredging. The ferry operator had complained a number of instances in regards to the lack of depth to function the vessel.In November final 12 months, the federal government launched the Ghogha-Hazira ferry service the place the ferry operator from the Ghogha-Dahej route was roped in.