DPW concerned at slow pace of land acquisition for Vallarpadam

Kochi, Apr 25 (UNI) Senior officials of Dubai Ports World (DPW), which is to operate India's first international container transshipment terminal at Vallarpadam, near here, have expressed concern about the slow pace of land acquisition for the rail connectivity to the terminal.

A review meeting was held here today to monitor the progress of the terminal, the foundation stone for which was laid by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in February, 2005.

DPW vice-president Ganeshraj told reporters after the meeting that the delay in the land acquisition for the rail connectivity to the terminal would result in the entire project being delayed.

''While everything else is happening on track, the rail connecivity is getting delayed and this can result in the entire project being delayed,'' he said.

Others who attended the meeting today included the new Ernakulam District Collector M Beena, Cochin Port Trust Chairman N Ramachandran, Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd. Project Director Keshav Chandran and National Highways Authority of India Project Dirctor Srinivasulu.

Today's meeting was held as a precursor to a review of the project, to be undertaken by Secetary, Shipping, A P V Sarma, here on Monday, CPT officials said.

UNI ARC DK2115