Firm moots setting up security device at CPT

KOCHI: ECIL Rapiscan, a joint-venture company of OSI Systems Inc. and the Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL), has come up with a proposal to install radio-active material detectors and X-ray scanners at the Cochin Port Trust and at the International Container Transshipment Terminal(ICTT), Vallarpadam on a Build-Operate- Transfer basis (BOT).The installation of radioactive material detectors and X-ray machines for scanning containers was a major recommendation made by the high-powered committee constituted to review security at major ports. The panel was headed by Cochin Port Trust former chairman N Ramachandran.The Central Government had directed all major ports in the country to install advanced radioactive material detectors. Gurjit Singh, senior general manager (cargo support) of ECIL Rapiscan said that there was no response though he tried to contact the authorities in this regard.“We are interested in installing the devices on a BOT basis,” Gurjit said.However, DP World authorities said that they had not received any such communication.As far as the Cochin Port Trust is concerned, the port management, owing to financial constraints, is learnt to have asked the Dubai Port World (DPW), the operator of the ICTT, to install the devices.The approximate cost of the device is Rs 1 crore. The detector needs to be installed at all gates through which containers pass.Union Shipping Secretary K Mohandas said that the Electronics Corporation of India (ECIL), Hyderabad, had been entrusted with the job of preparing the devices.However, an agency could be entrusted with the installation of the devices only after inviting tenders, whether on BOT basis or otherwise, he said.