Mumbai Port Trust in their circular No. MbPT Circular No. TM/ID/CIRCULAR/678 has informed about their plan to repair the outer lock gate through a private contractor.
The schedule is as under :-
Removal of the lock gate on 15th May during day by Port floating crane Shresta, this operation will be from 15th to 20th and resulting in no movements during day ie from 0800 hrs to 1800 hrs from 15th May to 13th September, Indira Dock will be tidal.
Since Indira Dock being tidal navigation is possible only during flood tide, which will result in restriction of vessel to loa 152 meters and beam 22.86 meters . There could be only 2/3 movements in each tide and maximum permissible draft will be reduced to 8 mtrs, higher draft will be considered, depending on tide.
The officers of CME, DC/ SDM and Dy Traffic Manger is working on the finer aspects and will issue a circular within today.
Shipping agents association other port users were persuading the port to postpone this repairs, as Traffic Dept and DC department were not in favor this repairs in monsoon but due to financial implication the Port Chairman has not agreed.
As a result of the repairs to the lock gate congestion can be expected at Harbour wall berths.