KOCHI, Dec 16: Operations of the Cochin Port Trust (CoPT) are expected to be fully computerised by the end of the next year. As the first step, bids received in response to a tender for the project will be studied from December 23. The project, expected to cost about Rs 5 crore, will be completed by September next if everything goes as planned, sources in CoPT told The Financial Express here.

Computerisation of the port's operations is part of the Ninth Plan proposals for which the port trust has received approval from the centre. Although, initial proposals had envisaged only an expenditure of about Rs one crore for the project, a reappraisal has allowed CoPT to make provisions for total computerisation, sources added.

Installation of a computer-based management information system is the first step towards the bigger goal of having the electronic data interchange facility. While setting up of the computer-based management information system will improve internal efficiency, electronic data interchange facility will allow for accurate planning for cargo and vessel handling.

The volume of traffic through Kochi port -- from about 1.37 million tonnes in the 50s to about 12 million tonnes expected this year -- necessitates better planning.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.