Earlier, ABG Haldia Bulk Terminals had decided to suspend the operations at Haldia since it was running on a heavy loss due to lack of business provided they were guaranteed sufficient trade by Kolkata Port Trust. To avoid suspension, they reached an agreement; the court was also approached for a solution. The port authorities decided to give priority to ABG Haldia Bulk Terminals so as to give maximum utilization to berths 2 and 8 of the company. According to the deal, vessels with bulk cargo reaching Haldia Dock Complex (HDC) will be allocated first to AHBT berths and if these berths are already engaged, the vessels will be diverted to other berths. But, Indian National Trinamool Trade Union Congress (INTTUC) opposed the decision of the port authorities. Mr. Adhikari, the head of INTTUC and also the chairman of Haldia Development Authority vehemently opposed it and said: “Favouring one private company will affect the operations of other berths and more than 10,000 labourers dependent on the port are under the threat of job loss. It is not acceptable and we will not allow this”. The KoPT authorities, however, pointed out that they were just implementing the court order. Mr. Adhikari also insisted upon the formation of a separate trust, Haldia Port Trust, “with full financial and administrative independence from KoPT”. He justified his demand by pointing out that “about INR 50,000 crore worth private investments are dependent on the existence of Haldia Dock”.
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