Kolkata, Feb 9 (IANS) The central government is awaiting a detailed proposal from the Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT) to undertake capital dredging of the Haldia channel, union Minister of Shipping G.K. Vasan said here Tuesday.

This dredging would lead to an improvement in navigability of the channels that lead into Haldia port.

'Capital dredging is also required for improvement of depth in the Haldia channel for which the Kolkata Port Trust has undertaken a comprehensive scheme. This scheme is called River Regulatory Measures (RRM) which comprises river training works and capital dredging,' he said.

He was speaking at an interactive session organised by the Bharat Chamber of Commerce.

Vasan said the ministry was closely and continuously reviewing the issue of maintaining adequate draught at Haldia port.

'The revalidation study (of the capital dredging scheme) has just been completed and the overall cost is approximately Rs.995 crore. The proposal will be examined by the ministry as soon as it is received from the port,' he added.

The minister further said all the due processes for the appointment of a full-time chairman for KoPT had been completed and 'an appointment can be expected to be made very shortly'.