The govt would award more projects under the public private partnership (PPP) and hybrid mode
Union minister for road, transport, highways and Shipping, Nitin Gadkari
Kochi: Putting the Kerala government on notice over the slow pace in awarding the contract for building the Vizhinjam international container transshipment terminal and deep seaport, Union Shipping and Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday said the Central government would consider scrapping the project and developing the port at Kulachal in Tamil Nadu if the state was not interested in it.
“Studies for the project in Colachel in Kanyakumari district are over and if the state is playing politics with Vizhinjam, the Centre will grant the project to Tamil Nadu,” Mr Gadkari said, addressing mediapersons in 12 centres through video conferencing.
Mr Gadkari said that the Kerala chief minister had invited the Adani group at a time when there was no one willing even to submit a tender for the project, and assured them that the projects had the support of all people. “Now, if the people of Kerala do not want it, no problem, we shall give it to Kulachal,” he said. “I am sorry to say that.”
The Centre has already promised viability gap funding to the project as it was very important for the country, the minister said. The BJP had no special preference for the Adani group, the Minister claimed and pointed out that Colombo port was doing brisk business because of Indian cargo.
Mr Gadkari who listed out the achievements of his ministry in the last one year, said the government would award more projects under the public private partnership (PPP) and hybrid model. There was a good response to the latest round of bidding for projects for Rs 4,000 crore, he said.
( Source : dc correspondent )
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