The main objective of port authorities is to generate revenues by running it efficiently and competitively. Most major international sea ports have diversified their operations in order to move further in development.
A popular and lucrative channel of diversification is to add up values on the port’s real state and to earn maximum premium.
KPT has a large estate that is leased out to the private sector for setting up port – related concerns. All the related records are fully computerized i.e Lease and Allotment record, Maps.
Karachi's most awaiting food street and entertainment complex 'Port Grand' was finally inaugurated on Saturday May 28th 2011. The complex offers visitors a world of its own in an enclosed area cut off from the craziness of city life.
This project is being developed on an area of 8.5 acres at Native Jetty and within Jinnah Bridge Rotary. It was designed and built and in collaboration with top international architects and designers, who have deployed latest technologies and construction techniques to deliver state of the art facility.
The food enclave runs along the port where you can view the sea while sitting on green benches lined across the fresh green turf. The three spaced-apart metal barriers from the water could, however, be tempting for adventurous children. You can even see the cargo being loaded and unloaded from the ships that arrive from all over the world. The food street ends close to a point where you can see ships harboured at the KPT Boat Wharf. The land for the project was leased by the KPT for 30 years on a Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) agreement. Work on the billion-rupee project started in 2005 and it was expected that it would be completed by 2009.
However, Grand Leisure Corporation claimed that the delay was caused by the need to completely revamp the Native Jetty bridge which was in bad shape. This caused expenses to shoot up. “Better late than never”, said Firoz.
“If we wish to do things the right way, there might be a delay but the end product will be something positive.”
The Native Jetty Bridge has been entirely rebuilt to ensure a world-class tourist destination and source of pride for Karachiites that would ultimately attract millions of people from all over the country and beyond.
The area underneath the Native Jetty bridge has been cleaned up and rehabilitated. The few trees that existed at the site have been preserved. The 150-year-old banyan tree, for example, has been untouched. The Napier Mole Bridge has been repaired and the corporation installed an irrigation system for the tree to give it an even longer life.
Parking for over 800 cars with complimentary valet service, pristine public restrooms, plenty of pedestrian friendly walkways are additional attractions.