Kolkata (NVI): In a move that will promote port users’ ease of doing business, government has inaugurated the much-awaited radio frequency identification (RFID)-based Port Access Control System (PACS) at Kolkata Dock System (KDS) here on October 25. The CCTV operations and three Truck Parking Terminals have also been opened at KDS, Rabindra Setu (Howrah Bridge).
RFID based PACS will provide single window system to the Port users for obtaining permit and pass through 100% cashless transaction. The operational efficiency of KDS will also be increased due to system driven gate operation.
To ease out road congestion near the port, Kolkata Port has developed 30,000 square meter of its own land at Sonai, Coal Dock Road and Bhutanghat into 3 truck parking terminals at an approximate cost of Rs. 6 crore. These will cater to approximately 400 trucks and trailers.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Shipping and Chemicals and Fertilizers Mansukh Mandaviya said that cities with ports are very important as they create jobs and bring transport synergy. He congratulated KoPT for serving the Nation for 149 years and suggested to celebrate 150 years of KoPT. He also confirmed that PM has agreed to participate in KoPT’s 150 years celebration.
The Minister later visited Maritime Archive and suggested KoPT to upgrade it further to make the new generation aware of Maritime history in the country. He also gave away Swachhta awards to the employees and complemented the KoPT for the campaign.
For secure and systematic entry and exit of vehicles and visitors in Kolkata Dock System (NSD and KPD) and for ease of doing business with Port users, the project of RFID-based Port Access Control System (PACS) was undertaken for Kolkata Dock System (Netaji Subhas Dock, NSD and Kidderpore Dock, KPD) at a total cost of around 17 Crore. Under this project, 12 gates of NSD and KPD are equipped with RFID based PACS system. RFID devices have been installed at all gates of NSD and will go live today. All gates of KPD will also go live by 31 October 2019.
-sb
