The Hindu Business Line : Hindusthan Shipyard to come under Defence Ministry

`The Union Government is also proposing to set up a maritime university in Chennai and a wing of the university in Visakhapatnam. It may be housed at HSL.'

Visakhapatnam, May 24

Hindusthan Shipyard Ltd (HSL) here, awaiting a revival package for more than a decade, is to be brought under the control of the Union Defence Ministry and it may also be converted to a wing of the proposed maritime university in Tamil Nadu, according to Mr N. Janardhana Reddy, former chief minister and Congress member of the Lok Sabha from Visakhapatnam.

At a press meet here on Thursday to review his performance as MP for the past three years, he said that he had promised to strive for the revival of ailing public sector units, Bharat Heavy Plate and Vessels Ltd, and Hindusthan Shipyard.

"I have done my best to get the two revived. The Union Government has agreed to merge the BHPV with the BHEL and save the unit. As for the HSL, experts have come to the conclusion that the revival of the shipyard will not be feasible, in view of intense competition from countries such as Korea and Japan. Therefore, the Union Cabinet has passed a resolution that the HSL be brought under the control of the Ministry of Defence," he said.

Maritime university

Mr Reddy said the facilities at the HSL would be used for repairs and maintenance of the defence ships. "The Union Government is also proposing to set up a maritime university in Chennai and a wing of the university in Visakhapatnam. It may be housed at HSL," he said.

He said Mr Ramalingam, Chairman of the Airports Authority of India, and Mr Vinay Kumar, Joint-Secretary in the Union Ministry of Defence, would inspect the new runway at the Vizag airport on Friday. A joint meeting of the naval officials and the AAI would be held on when to commission the new runway.

"I hope it will be done soon. The State Government is also expediting the work on channelising the floodwaters of Meghadrigedda and Kondagedda reservoirs at a cost of Rs 72 crore. Therefore, there will be no problem of inundation of the airport. The officials have given me a clear assurance on the point and there need not be any reservations on that count," he explained.

Best facilities

Mr Reddy said he would strive to get the best of facilities for the airport and to improve air connectivity as it is essential to impart impetus to the further growth of the city.

He also promised that he would get the maximum funds under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission for the improvement of amenities in Visakhapatnam.

"In particular, we are taking up a project to establish a modern fishing settlement in the city at a cost of Rs 125 crore under the scheme for the benefit of fishermen. Fisherfolk are living in unhygienic conditions in the city, without the basic amenities. We want to include them in the development process and improve their living conditions," he said.

A number of projects were being taken up under the JNNURM to improve the amenities in the city, he added.

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