The Hindu Business Line : BOT pact for Vizhinjam container terminal likely by September

THE BOT (build, operate and transfer) agreement for the development of the Vizhinjam port, near here, into an international container transhipment terminal is likely to be signed by September or October this year.

In response to the fresh tender floated by the Department of Ports of the State Government, 17 companies have so far taken the Request for Proposal from the department. The last date for submitting the proposals is June 8.

The State Minister for Ports, Mr M.V. Raghavan, said the work on the project would commence within the next one year, provided all the required clearances are received in time. He said Vizhinjam International Seaport Ltd, the special purpose vehicle that was formed recently under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister, would form a joint venture with the private investor to create the infrastructure such as road and rail connectivity and water and power supply for the project as also to develop a special economic zone in the region.

In the case of Beypore port development, the Minister said that the department had signed a memorandum of understanding with the Kozhikode-based Parrisons group and they had submitted a proposal. Currently, the proposal is being examined by IL&FS and a BOT agreement with the company is expected to be signed soon.

At the Azhikkal port, the construction of breakwaters is in progress and will be completed soon. Also, administrative sanction has been given for the construction of 200-metre-long cargo wharf at a cost of Rs 15.75 crore.

Mr Raghavan said that though the department had originally received four expressions of interest for the development of Azhikkal port, three companies had subsequently withdrawn from the scene. The remaining company, Universal Lubricants of Sharjah, had given a preliminary proposal in February this year and the department is expecting a detailed proposal from it any time now.

The department would invite expressions of interest for construction of more wharfs in the port, which is estimated to cost a total of Rs 1,200 crore.

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