The Hindu : Kerala / Thiruvananthapuram News : Support development

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Dec 06, 2004

Kerala

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

Support development

Doubts unnecessary

Sir, - The decks have been cleared for the much awaited Vizhinjam International Container Transhipment hub. However, detractors feel that the Vizhinjam project is unnecessary, despite its advantages and Vallarpadam is the best bet. Vizhinjam should be considered as a national project rather than a regional or State-level development project.

There is no other port in India that has the unique characteristics of Vizhinjam.

Vizhinjam is close to the international shipping route, has natural depth, does not require dredging. Moreover, minimum time is required for container operations and such other parameters required for international container ports. These rare geographical features should be exploited. Vizhinjam is not a threat to any other Indian port. Despite the deferment of royalty, leasing of an existing container handling facility till the new port is commissioned and continuous dredging, the depth that could be achieved at Vallarpadam is only 15 meters. This limits its scope to receive mega container ships.

Vizhinjam, on the other hand, has the capacity to receive world's largest container carriers and mega container ships. If Vizhinjam is also developed as envisaged the country need not look for ports able to receive ultramodern container carriers and obviate the need to depend upon other countries for container transhipment in future.

K. Mohandas,

Kovalam

Token system

Sir, - The GPO authorities introduced a token system some time back to assist the public. The counters 5,6,7 and 8 handle payment of telephone bills and sending of registered articles. A signboard has been provided near the counter exhibiting the token number. Though there are four counters, only one or two extend service at a time. The staff leave their seat frequently, causing inconvenience to the people. This being a routine affair, authorities concerned should provide personnel to avoid delays in rendering service.

Karamana Manikantan Nayar,

Vanchiyoor

Facilitate journey

Sir, - Nominated platform system for arrival and departure of trains should be introduced at Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station. Similarly, the gap between foot over bridge and platform shelter should be covered completely as passengers get drenched during rain. Reservation charts could also be exhibited at the platform from where a particular train is scheduled to depart. Refreshment stalls should also be put up on platforms four and five.

N. Muraleedharan Nair,

Chirayinkeezhu

Readers may send their letters to the postal address: The Hindu Vallakadavu P.O.

Thiruvananthapuram - 695008 or e-mail at: letters.ananthapuri @thehindu.co.in

Secretary,

Capital City Development Forum,

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