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V. Sajeev Kumar

Two months ahead of deadline

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Kochi Feb. 8 The Cochin Port Trust is all set to commence the work on the connectivity projects to the Vallarpadam container transhipment project with the formal inauguration of the construction activities by the Union Shipping, Road Transport and Highways, Mr T.R. Baalu.

As per the licence agreement signed between the Cochin Port Trust and the terminal operator DP World, the beginning of work on the two connectivity projects is a pre-condition for the construction of the main container terminal at Vallarpadam.

Licence Agreement

Moreover, the connectivity constructions are required to commence before April 1 as per the terms and conditions in the licence agreement. The port management, according to officials, has been able to commence the construction activities before the set time frame in spite of several obstacles at various stages.

The port was also able to advance the April deadline by nearly two months, thanks to the concerted efforts made by both the State and Central Governments, the officials added.

The other pre-conditions for the project included setting up of a special economic zone, environmental clearances and deepening of the channels in phases. The Port Trust has met all the pre-conditions well ahead of time, the officials added.

Connectivity Projects

The Public Investment Board had cleared investment of Rs 525 crore for construction of the 4-lane National Highway connectivity from Vallarpadam to Kalamassery and Rs 245 crore for the rail connectivity from Vallarpadam to the Edappally Railway Station. This is a major achievement for the port, as the entire investment for the connectivity projects will come from the Union Government, the officials pointed out.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is to carry out constructions of the 17.5 km long National Highway connectivity and the Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd will undertake construction of 8.8 km long rail connectivity.

Objections Raised

Although the land acquisition proceedings for these projects are likely to take some more time, it has been decided to commence work in the backwater and other areas where the land is already in possession of the Port/Government agencies. The port has to create an embankment in the Mulavukad area before the land is handed over to NHAI to construct the road.

Meanwhile, the meeting convened by the District Level Purchase Committee over land value fixation of the FACT property has failed to arrive at a consensus following objections raised by the FACT officials.

The FACT officials pointed out that they laid the road and the land value of the road should also be provided to them.

Rejecting the demand of FACT, the National Highway authorities maintained that all the roads are under NH. Taking all these objections into consideration, the Committee forwarded the matter to the Ministry of Surface Transport to find an amicable solution.

More Stories on : Infrastructure | Shipping | Kerala

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