Kochi: The completion of the pipeline network linked with the LNG Terminal in Kochi for evacuation of the gas to other parts of the state and outside has become essential for the survival of the Cochin Port. Cochin Port Trust Chairman G Senthilvel has highlighted the importance of the completion of the pipeline during a meeting with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan the other day.
Mr. Senthilvel along with Dr. Unnikrishnan Nair Traffic Manager and G Vaidyanathan, Chief Engineer of the CPT appraised the Chief Minister that the completion of the pipeline to Bengaluru and Mangalore will bring an additional income of Rs 100 cr to the Port. The additional income of Rs 100 cr will make "the port to come out of its losses and will make profit", CPT chairman told Mr. Pinarayi.
The delay in the completion of the pipeline network is keeping the LNG Terminal in Kochi, built at an estimated cost of Rs 4,000 cr, is practically idle with the capacity utilization hovering around just 8 per cent of the total capacity of the plant. Mr. Senthilvel told the Chief Minister that the completion of the pipeline would also increase the revenue of the state through value added tax.
Pinarayi has assured the CPT team the support of the State Government to resolve the pipeline issues of LNG terminal. The CPT team also met finance minister Dr. Thomas Isaac. Dr Isaac has assured his support to remove road blocks to ensure the growth of the Port.
