Panaji: The enclosed dome spanning 43,000sqm, constructed at the Mormugao port by South West Port Ltd (SWPL), a company under the JSW Group, is ready for commissioning, said sources. The dome, built at a cost of Rs 180 crore, will be used to stack coal at berths 5 and 6 at the port.
Port officials said that once commissioned, the dome will significantly minimise coal dust pollution, providing significant relief for citizens of Vasco and Sada.
At present, 5.5 million tonnes of coal and 1 million tonnes of limestone are handled per year at the two berths.
“The creation of the dome has now facilitated coal storage of about 2.5 lakh tonnes. The entire operation of coal handling is mechanised, including loading into railway wagons. Transportation of coal and limestone from berths 5 and 6 to Ballari is only through railway wagons, which are properly covered, ensuring no leakage of cargo en route,” said an official.