The Hindu Business Line : Tuticorin port submits paper on proposed SEZ

A CONCEPT paper prepared by the Tuticorin Port Trust on developing a port-based special economic zone (SEZ) has identified proximity to a port, climate and location as advantages for locating industries in agro and food processing, logistics, heavy engineering and mineral ore handling in the proposed zone.

The port trust has submitted the concept paper to the State Government, which will take it up with the Centre for approval.

According to the concept paper, the 3,260-acre special economic zone (SEZ) will require Rs 730 crore for common facilities and general infrastructure and Rs 48 crore for specialised infrastructure such as cold storage, packaging units and processing facilities.

The existing highways and approach roads will have to be widened and strengthened for the smooth functioning of the SEZ.

The Shipping Ministry approved a proposal from the Tuticorin Port Trust in 2002 to set up a port-based SEZ. It gave in-principle nod to use over 350 acres of the port trust land for the SEZ.

The State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu (SIPCOT) will make available 1,000 acres and these would be developed in the first phase.

In the second phase, 1,910 acres of SIPCOT land or land acquired for the SEZ would be developed.