Mantralaya sources told The Financial Express that the rise in cargo was mainly on account of regular visits, inspection and supervision.

Maharashtra Maritime Board, a nodal agency for the development of these ports, has recently submitted a proposal to increase passenger levy to Re 1 from 25 paise to the state ports department. However, a final decision in this regard is awaited. Similarly, the proposal to reduce ticket rates owing to reduction in the price of diesel has also been submitted recently and notification will be issued shortly.

Sources admitted that the development of seven out of 48 minor portsthrough private sector participation has been a non-starter yet despite the state government's resolve to pick up 11 per cent equity. The list of these ports includes Vadhavan, Dighi, Vijaydurg, Redi, Jaigad, Ganeshgule and Anjanvel, Revdanda and Ulwa.

Dahanu Taluka Environmental Protection Authority (DTEPA) had, in its judgment issued on September 19, held that the P&O Port's plan to develop the Vadhvan port was impermissible and illegal. The DTEPA decision was examined and a proposal has been submitted to the state government for filing an appeal in the Bombay high court against the order. The proposal was under the government's consideration.

Mazgaon Dock has shown interest in developing the Dighi port on memorandum-of-understanding (MoU) basis. It has communicated to the Maharashtra Maritime Board that it would submit a detailed project report by the end of this month.

Zoom Developers has evinced interest in developing the Vijaydurg port in Sindhudurg district, and received a feasibility report fromconsultant Wapcos. According to the report, the port could be located in the inner portion during the first stage of development.

Nimco has yet to submit its detailed plan to develop the Redi port on the basis of the MoU. However a consultant, on behalf of Gujarat Ambuja Cement, has already contacted the Maharashtra Maritime Board for developing the port.

The BSBK group has confirmed its interest in the development of the Jaigad port in Ratnagiri district. The company has already submitted a report confirming its interest in the project to the state ports minister. However, it has expressed reservations about the cargo projections made by CES in the techno-economic feasibility report. The firm has appealed to the state government to bear the expenses for carrying out a fresh techno-economic study.

Maharashtra Maritime Board has deferred development of the Ganeshgule and Anjanvel ports for the time being.

Ispat Industries and BSBK group are keen on developing the Revdanda port and have alreadyappointed consultants to examine the feasibility. Essar group's proposal to develop its jetty at Ulwa in Thane district as a minor port has been examined by the Maharashtra Maritime Board and the company has recently submitted a detailed project report in this regard.

Sources said that Indian Rayon has submitted a proposal for the development of a captive jetty at Cidco in Navi Mumbai.