December 03, 2008

Andhra CM calls upon shipping ministry to discuss shipyard

It is reported that Mr YSR Reddy chief minister of Andhra Pradesh has recently called on Mr Thiru TR Baalu union minister of shipping, road transport & highways to discuss the modalities of setting up of an international size shipyard on East Coast.

Mr Baalu told Mr Reddy that the ministry of shipping, road transport & highways is ready to sign a MoU with Andhra Pradesh to chart out a detailed road map for the development of the proposed shipyard. The MoU is expected to be signed by the middle of the next month. He also emphasized that state level statutory clearances should be granted in a time bound manner to ensure that the project is completed within the given time.

Mr Reddy assured Mr Baalu that preparation of the techno commercial feasibility report and detailed project report would be completed within 3 to 6 months as a consultant has already been engaged for the purpose.

As per report, Andhra Pradesh has offered to make available 2000 acres of land within next 6 months free of cost to the centre for the development of shipyard. It has proposed to develop the shipyard at Vodarevu Port in Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh.

Government of India has proposed to set up two international level shipyards, one on the East Coast and the other on the West Coast.