The Hindu : Investors explore Vizhinjam port prospects

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Mar 01, 2004

Kerala

Kerala

Investors explore Vizhinjam port prospects

By Our Special Correspondent

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, FEB. 29. Nine investors from within and outside the country are now in the city to explore the prospects of the proposed port at Vizhinjam, near here.

The Department of Ports had been planning to conduct an `investors' meet' here to showcase the Vizhinjam port project before them.

The plan had to be, however, abandoned due to the week-long mourning announced by the State Government following the death of the Governor, Sikander Bahkt.

The Government officials explained the details of the proposal to the visiting businessmen during an interaction arranged at the Technopark here today.

Earlier, they were taken to Vizhinjam.

The visitors also met the Chief Minister, A. K. Antony, the Minister for Ports, M. V. Raghavan, and the Vizhinjam MLA, A. Neelalohithadasan Nadar.

Mr. Raghavan's office today informed the media that the prospective investors were "filled with enthusiasm" when they realised the potential of Vizhinjam as an international transhipment terminal.

The proposal before them is to implement the project on build-operate-transfer basis.

The location's advantages include its proximity to international sea routes and the natural depth of the seas there.

Mr. Raghavan's office also informed that the Chief Minister, during his meeting with the investors, had promised a `fast-track mechanism' to process matters concerning the Vizhinjam port.

The Government plans to invite `expressions of interest' on this project in March and select the investor by July.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Kerala