CPT Vallarpadam connectivity projects launch on Feb 9

Kochi, Jan 27 (UNI) Union Minister for Shipping, Road Transport and Highways T R Baalu will launch the connectivity projects of the Cochin Port Trust (CPT) for the Vallarpadam International Container Transshipment Terminal on February nine.

According to an official release here today, as the land acquisition proceedings for other connectivity projects would take time, it has been decided to commence work in the backwater and other areas where the land is already in possession of the Port and government agencies.

As per the licence agreement signed by the Cochin Port Trust with Dubai Port World, commencement of construction activities for the two connectivity projects is a pre-condition for construction of the main Container Terminal at Vallarpadam.

The Public Investment Board (PIB) of Government of India had, in two separate sittings, cleared investment of Rs. 525 crores for construction of the 4-lane National Highway connectivity from Vallarpadam to Kalamassery and Rs. 245 crores for the rail connectivity from Vallarpadam to Edappally Railway Station.

Union Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs was expected to give the formal clearance for these investments shortly, the release added.

National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) would undertake construction of the 17.5 km long National Highway connectivity and the Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) would build the 8.8 km long rail connectivity.

Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan would the chief guest at the function on February nine.

The project is to be commissioned before April one, 2009.

UNI