Kerala ready to develop Vizhinjam as central project

Kerala chief minister Oommen Chandy said the state was ready to extend full support for the Vizhinjam International Seaport project if it is developed as a central project.

The state government has brought the matter to the attention of the Prime Minister. The matter was recently detailed in a letter sent to the Prime Minister on August 6.

The state has written three letters to the PM Narendra Modi on Vizhinjam project, said the chief minister.

The state government wishes to complete the project within three to four years with the support of the Centre.

Chief minister in his letter pointed out if the Centre had interest in developing a big port along the south-west coast under the jurisdiction of ministry of Shipping, Kerala is ready to extend all support in the best possible manner and all possibilities of Centre's involvement in the project would be discussed, he said.
 

Adani Ports and SEZ Limited, Srei-OHL consortium, Essar Ports Limited had already bought the forms for participating in the project price bidding and the last date for the submission is September 10.

The expected cost for the first phase of the Vizhinjam project is Rs 6,647 crore. The empowered institution has recommended sanctioning a viability gap fund for the project, however, the sanction amount has not yet been materialised.

Chandy said the project should have a concession period for 10 years.

Kerala getting ready for implementation
Environmental clearance for the project has been obtained from the Centre and 90 per cent of required land has already been acquired, while the water and electricity facilities have been completed.A detailed project report has been submitted for the railway line.

"If the port is developed, dependance on ports outside the country for transshipment purposes could be avoided. It will bring drastic changes to the country's west coast besides making tourism thrive," he added.