Vizhinjam port project would be implemented: Chandy

Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy today asserted in the assembly that the multi-crore Vizhinjam International Deepwater Seaport project here would be implemented regardless of the CPI-M-led LDF's opposition to it.
Answering during question hour, Chandy said government was ready to accept any suggestions of the Opposition. But, if they continue to resist the project, government would go ahead with it.
"No one can prevent implementation of the dream project of the state by hurling corruption charges, Chandy said, referring to the LDF allegation that there was some mystery in government move to award the project contract to Adani ports.
State Minister for Ports K Babu explained in detail the various steps taken by government for inviting global tender for the project. "All things are done in a very transparent manner keeping the interest of the state in mind," he said.

LDF members said they were not against the project, but only wanted to implement it in public sector.
On LDF resistance to PPP model, Babu said the project was planned under public-private partnership (PPP)-Landlord model during the previous LDF rule also.

During LDF rule, the PPP element was Rs 974 crore. There was now an increase in the project cost and overall size of the project that pushed the proportion of PPP amount, he said.
Lashing out at the government, Opposition leader and CPI-M veteran V S Achuthanandan said contrary to previous LDF government's initiative, the move to hand over the project to private sector with conditions in their favour was a matter of concern.

"There is corruption in all the matters that UDF government touches," Achuthanandan said adding Vizhinjam port project should be implemented giving importance to state's interest.
Conceived decades ago, the port project, which can give a substantial boost to the state's economy, has been delayed due to various reasons all these years.