It is reported that the Kerala cabinet is reported to have cleared INR 450 crore for work on the initial phase of the proposed Vizhinjam International Container Transhipment Terminal project.

The Vizhinjam International Seaport Ltd a company floated by the state government to implement the project will coordinate work on associated infrastructure development.

Mr M Vijayakumar the State Minister for Law, Parliamentary Affairs and Ports of Kerala said the project includes ensuring rail and road connectivity, water supply and electricity.

Work on the project was expected to start next month. Rites were being commissioned to take care of the rail-road connectivity issues. The Cochin International Airport Ltd model of public-private partnership would be adopted to build the container terminal.

The Minister added fresh tenders would be floated early next year to select a private partner of international repute to build and operate the transhipment terminal.

(Source from Exim News Service)