Kerala ports open to private investment upto Rs 4,000 cr

In a bold policy initiative, Kerala government has thrown open some of its major ports to private parties for development with a total investment possibility of Rs 4,000 crore.

Apart from this, the state has also invited tenders from prospective bidders for becoming partner in the first phase of the Vizhinjam International Deep-sea Transhipment Container Terminal here.

Inaugurating Kerala Ports and Maritime Business Convolve here, Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan said government would introduce a draft bill on setting up of State Maritime Board in the assembly in next session.

Once the Board is constituted, management of entire ports would be under Board control, which is considered as the first step towards developing marine activities in a faster way,he said.

 

On Vizhinjam project, which got delayed for many years due to various reasons, Achuthanandan said the port was going to become a reality. "No body can stop the project now", he said.

Speaking on the occasion,  Minister in charge of ports, V Surendran Pillai said Beypore, Kollam, Azhikkal, Ponnai, Alappuzha, Thangassery were in the process of development under PPP model.

The tender formalities for Azhikkal port in Kannur have been completed for its operation on PPP basis for an investment of Rs 3,000 crore, he said.

Ponnai port has similarly been tendered on Swiss challenge method for private development at an investment of Rs 672 crores, he pointed out.

Detailed Project Report was under preparation for Alappuzha, where a Marina and cargo harbour would be developed.

On Vizhinjam project, he said, total estimated cost was Rs 6,000 crore. The project would be developed as a model port, with state constructing the port infrastructure at a project cost of Rs 1,637 crore.

State government was investing Rs 600 crore to develop the infrastructure and connectivity for Vizhinjam project, he added.

The conclave was jointly organised by state port department and Confederation of Indian Industry, state chapter.