In 2012/13, the volume of export granite blocks at the port of Chennai dropped by nearly 50%. This was down to restrictions on the movement of granite blocks during the day, traffic congestion and the refusal to allow trucks carrying granite direct entry into the port.
In total, Chennai handled around 603,000 tonnes of granite as opposed to 1.198 million tonnes the previous year. In contrast, Krishnapatnam increased its traffic in this commodity from 670,000 tonnes to 990,000 tonnes.
Exporters are now seeking to use rail to transport blocks directly into the port, thereby avoiding having to use temporary warehouses in the city's suburbs. The port is sympathetic to this request and has identified a location on Jawahar Dock to build the relevant siding.
Barry Cross