THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Cabinet on Wednesday decided to take up development of infrastructure for the proposed Vizhinjam International Container Transhipment Terminal from next month.

Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan told the media after the weekly Cabinet meeting that Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited (VISL), the government company formed for implementing the project, would start building the proposed road and other infrastructure. The Cabinet had sanctioned Rs.450 crore for the work. It would be possible to complete the work in 12 to 15 months.

Meanwhile, fresh global tenders would be floated for selecting a private partner for building and operating the transhipment terminal. It would be possible to identify the private partner by the end of next year. (Earlier attempts to finalise global tenders had to be aborted for want of Central clearance, court cases and other complications).

He said the Cabinet had entrusted VISL with the task of drawing up the proposal for the development of the road and railway line for the port. The company would hold discussions with the National Highways Authority of India and the Railways in that regard.

Source: The Hindu