Kerala govt calls RFQs for oceanarium project

Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) has invited request for qualification (RFQ) towards a developer for the oceanarium project at Puthuvype in Vypin Island near here.

KSIDC has been appointed as the bid manager for selection of consultants and developer in connection with the development of the project.

The project is to develop the latest generation underwater aquarium of global standards in line with similar projects in Japan and Singapore. The oceanarium would house numerous marine creatures and is expected to enhance the tourist flow to the state once it emerges a major landmark of Kochi.

It would have underwater glass tunnels to go into the sea and see the marine creatures closely in their natural habitat. 

KSIDC had already prepared a detailed feasibility report of the project and the cost is estimated at Rs 350 crore. Forty acres of land has been earmarked for the prestigious project which is expected to augment the tourism sector. 

According to KSIDC, a special purpose vehicle will be formed for the implementation of the project, the incorporation of which is underway now.

The project will be set up close to the proposed LNG terminal at Puthvype. The oceanarium will also have in-house research facilities for marine based subjects. State Fisheries Resource Management Authority (FIRMA), under the department of fisheries, will implement the project for the government of Kerala and central assistance is also expected.

This will be developed in public private partnership (PPP) route on Design, Built , Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT). Chennai-based Mahindra Consulting Engineers is the consultant for the project.