'Vizhinjam port work to commence after security clearance'

Thiruvananthapuram, Jun 27 (UNI) Kerala Law Minister M Vijayakumar today informed the state Assembly that the government would start construction of the proposed Vizhinjam port, near here, as soon as it received security clearance from the Centre.

Replying to questions from Mr K B Ganesh Kumar (Kerala Congress-B) and others, he said the government had already written letters to the Union Shipping, Home, Defence and Foreign Affairs Ministries for approval of the project.

Once the government received Central clearance in this regard, it would sign agreement with the implementing partner and start construction of the port soon, he added.

Mr Vijayakumar said the government was expecting to complete the first phase of the work in three years. It would generate direct employment to about 3,000 people and benefit one lakh others indirectly.

The Bid Opening Committee, constituted by the government, had selected a consortium led by M/s Lanco Kondappally Power Private Limited, which quoted the lowest State Debt Support amount.

The minister said the government had no information about moves, if any, to scuttle the construction of the mother port at Vizhinjam.

UNI CGV GD KK DS1225