BS reported that the Cochin Port Trust will be constructing a dedicated terminal for the Lakshadweep bound passenger and cargo ships. Land to the extent of 5 hectare has already been earmarked in the port area on the western side of Willingdon Island, between south coal berth and workshop jetty for the purpose.

A MoU was signed between the Port Trust and the Lakshadweep administration for leasing of the land, water frontage area and for construction of the terminal.

About 10 passenger ships and several other cargo vessels ply between the Lakshadweep islands and Cochin and these vessels are being anchored at different berths of Cochin Port due to lack of an exclusive berthing facility. The proposed terminal will be a boon for the Lakshadweep islanders who have to depend on the mainland, which is about 185 miles away, for higher education, medical purposes, food items, fuel, consumer goods etc. Cochin port has, therefore, decided to accord priority to construct the Lakshadweep jetty and related facilities.

However, the proposed terminal will have a 300 meter long berth, a passenger waiting hall of about 1,100 square meters, cargo storage area of about 400 square meters and a vehicle parking area. The terminal will also have facilities like prayer halls, bank counter, tourist information counter, first aid centre and a snack bar.

As per report, the central government has accorded sanction for the project at an estimated cost of INR 32 crore. Construction of the terminal will be carried out by the CPT as a deposit work and tenders will be invited for the same within a month. The project is expected to be completed by 2011.

(Sourced from Business Standard)