The ‘single bidder' for the proposed Vizhinjam deepwater seaport and international transhipment container terminal does not overly worry the promoter.

This is mainly because the ‘landlord' model allows it more than enough time to select the port operator, bidding for which originally threw up two contenders.

OPERATOR ROLE

Of this, the Welspun Infratech alone made the grade after the Ministry of Home Affairs refused to give clearance to rival Adani Ports.

Mr A.S. Suresh Babu, Managing Director, Vizhinjam International Seaports Ltd (VISL), said the role of the port operator would come into picture only after the civil infrastructure for the port gets ready.

Under the landlord port model, the Kerala Government will lay this infrastructure at a cost of Rs 1,700 crore.

The operator would set up the port super structure.

Meanwhile, the State Cabinet is expected to take a decision soon on whether it should proceed with the single bidder for port operator.

EPC TENDER

Once the bid is opened, it would also have the freedom to exercise the choice one way or the other, sources said.

This is a view that is increasingly getting acceptance within the State Government.

Meanwhile, the VISL intends to move ahead with the procedures to float a global EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) contract to find a contractor to set up the civil infrastructure.

The EPC contractor will construct the breakwater and reclaim land, among other related infrastructure, on behalf of the State Government.

But this will be done only after finalising the port design and incorporating technical details with respect to terminals and berths in consultation with the selected port operator.

FIRST REFUSAL

The latter will also get a right of conditional first refusal on the EPC bid, a preference in case they match the lowest bids.

EIA Report

Simultaneously, the VISL also expects to get the environmental impact assessment (EIA) report ready and get the requisite from the Union Ministry for Forests and Environment.

The ongoing multi-season EIA study is being conducted by an L&T-Ramboll consortium and Asian Consulting Engineers.

> vinson.kurian@thehindu.co.in

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