Vizhinjam port awaiting Central okay: Minister

Our Bureau

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Assembly statements
Rs 4,360-crore port project to be implemented in three phases.

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Thiruvananthapuram , June 19

The work on the proposed international container transhipment terminal at Vizhinjam near here will begin immediately after getting the clearance from the Centre, the Minister for Ports, Mr M. Vijayakumar, said in the State Assembly today.

He said that the previous United Democratic Front (UDF) Government had approved a tender submitted by a consortium comprising two Chinese and one Indian companies for implementing the project. The proposal was subsequently forwarded to the Centre for clearance.

The Minister said that the Rs 4,360-crore project is proposed to be implemented in three phases. The first phase, estimated to cost Rs 1,850 crore, is slated be completed within three years after getting the Centre's clearance.

He said that the Government has already earmarked Rs 10 crore for the project. Apart from providing basic infrastructure such as rail, road, electricity and drinking water connection, the Government will also construct two breakwaters, he added.

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/06/20/stories/2006062004241900.htm