The Hindu Business Line : Vizhinjam is State project, says Baalu

The proposed international container transhipment terminal at Vizhinjam, near here, is entirely a project of the Kerala Government, according to the Union Minister for Shipping, Road Transport and Highways, Mr T.R. Baalu.

He told newspersons here on Monday that the Centre had nothing to do with the project. He also pleaded ignorance about the pending security clearance for the project, saying that he was not a member of the Cabinet Committee on Security.

Mr Baalu said that the Centre would implement a Rs 5,000-crore project in the State to develop the National Highway 17 for four-lane traffic.

He said that the highway had the potential to be developed into a six-lane road. However, it would be converted into a four-lane highway for the time being. The scheme would be included in Phase III of the National Highways Development Project, he added.

Better roads

The Union Minister, who earlier held discussions with the Chief Minister, Mr V.S. Achuthanandan, said the State had assured him of prompt action on some long-pending issues pertaining to road development in the State.

The Chief Minister had promised to give clearance for the new alignment of the railway line linking the Vallarpadam container transhipment terminal. The Centre would grant environmental clearance for the Vallarpadam-Mainland Highway Project next week, Mr Baalu said.