Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram   

Vizhinjam project to get Rs.25 crore

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The State budget presented by Finance Minister T.M. Thomas Isaac in the Assembly on Thursday provides an outlay of Rs.25.70 crore to establish rail-road connectivity and provide water supply, power and other infrastructure for the proposed international deep-sea container transhipment terminal at Vizhinjam.

Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited (VISL), a public company floated by the government for the project, will be responsible for infrastructure development.

Mr. Isaac said global tenders had been floated and offers received for the port. VISL, he said, would be a joint-venture company. The budget proposes the establishment of a centre for alternative building technology and heritage studies in the State capital. The centre will be named after eminent architect Laurie Baker. An amount of Rs.80 lakh has been earmarked for the project.

The budget has earmarked Rs.10 crore for the Regional Cancer Centre and Rs.2 crore for modernising the Institute of Animal Health and Veterinary Biologicals at Palode. A sum of Rs.1 crore has been provided for the post- graduate course in economics and other programmes of the Centre for Development Studies.

In his budget speech, Mr. Isaac announced an allocation of Rs.1 crore for the renovation of the Peppara dam and the Wellington water supply scheme in Thiruvananthapuram.

The city-based Blind School, now celebrating its golden jubilee, has been allocated Rs.50 lakh for the construction of a new building. A sum of Rs.25 lakh has been set apart as a one-time assistance for the professional course being started at the National Institute of Speech and Hearing (NISH). The Chalai market is one of the four commercial areas in the State identified for development using the Trade Fair Fund proposed in the budget. The fund, to be set up under the Trade Fair Authority, is to be used for conservation of ancient commercial centres and improvement of facilities.

In the education sector, a sum of Rs.50 lakh has been allocated for the renovation of the Kerala University Senate hall. Mr. Isaac announced an assistance of Rs.25 lakh for the G.V. Raja Sports School and Rs.1 crore for the construction of a hangar for the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Civil Aviation.

In the health sector, he committed Rs.50 lakh for the Spine Surgery Unit at Thiruvananthapuram.

The minister said the construction f the Attukal township would commence this year.

A new mini civil station at Attingal and a new Sub Treasury at Kudappanakunnu are the other proposals for the district.

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

Stories in this Section

SIET gears up to help students face exams
State on path of fiscal stability
BJP: budget will spur price rise
Major allocation for energy, irrigation
Health insurance scheme planned
Hike in Plan funds carryover for local bodies
Sales tax cess will be inflationary: UDF
Increase in Plan aid to universities
Meet on tribal land issue
Shot in the arm for health
Helping hand to ailing KSRTC
Restructuring package for KWA
Nod for Trade Fair Authority
‘Budget lacks a capital thrust’
Restructuring package for KWA
Vizhinjam project to get Rs.25 crore
Underwater scientific device reported missing
LDF welcomes cardinal’s stand
No benamis to be allowed in liquor industry
Gender Board to be formed
Five new police stations announced
New package for evictees

Copyright © 2008, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu