The Hindu : Kerala / Thiruvananthapuram News : Rs. 12,000-crore investment planned for ports in the State

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Thursday, Jul 17, 2008
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Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

Rs. 12,000-crore investment planned for ports in the State

Special Correspondent

Alappuzha to be developed as marina-cum-cargo port

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Minister for Ports M. Vijayakumar told the Assembly on Wednesday that the government was planning for an investment of Rs.12,000 crore in the ports sector in the coming years.

Replying to the debate on the demand for grants for Ports, the Minister said that the plans were for development of six ports, including the Vizhinjam International Transhipment Terminal, with public-private participation. A minor port is proposed to be set up in Kottayam.

He said that the Azheekal, Bepore and Kollam ports were to be developed with international trade in view. Alappuzha was to be developed as a marina-cum-cargo port. Ponnani was to be developed for domestic needs.

Shipyard for Poovar

Mr. Vijayakumar announced that a shipyard was proposed to be set up at Poovar in Thiruvananthapuram district. Security clearance for the Vizhinjam port was expected in a month. Issues regarding land Acquisition for road and rail connectivity for the Vallarpadam transhipment project had been solved. It would be possible to complete the project in 2009.

Maritime institutes

The Minister said that the Maritime Development Corporation had made an operational profit last year. New maritime institutes would be started at Kasaragod and Kollam.

The proposed Maritime Board would be formed shortly after finalisation of the Maritime Policy.

After the Minister’s reply, the Assembly passed the demands for grants totalling Rs.44.79 crore.

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