The Hindu Business Line : Kerala Chamber to help settle row over Vallarpadam

THE Kerala Chamber of Commerce and Industry has extended all possible help to reach out an amicable settlement between Cochin Port Trust and landowners for the acquisition of land to construct railway line for the proposed Vallarpadam Container Transhipment Terminal.

While the land should be acquired for the project, the port authorities should rehabilitate and also compensate the landowners properly, Mr John K. Paul, President of the Chamber, said.

The Chamber's decision comes in the wake of heavy protest from the locals in the suburban areas in the city against the railway line through their region for the terminal site.

The apprehension among landowners about the price of the land acquired by the Government may be the reason for their agitation, he said.

He pointed out that the tender for the commencement of the Vallarpadam project was awarded to Dubai Port after inordinate delay. As per the contract, the port authorities have to provide the infrastructure like road, rail, deep draught, railroad connectivity etc., within 2007.

Unless they provide the required infrastructure, there would be further delay for the commencement of the work, he said.

Concern over VAT: Highlighting other issues in the State, Mr Paul expressed disappointment over the implementation of VAT in Kerala.

He said the unification of tax rates as well as the law was yet to be achieved. While this taxation envisages simple tax structure and easy compliance, the Kerala VAT Law lacks this aspect.