The Kerala government is planning to develop shipbuilding and repair yards at various strategic locations along the coast. Till now the government has identified two locations, one of which is south of Vizhinjam.
"We have submitted the proposal for both the shipyards to the Centre and we are waiting for the approval," said Capt. L. Radhakrishnan, Secretary to Government (Ports), Government of Kerala. "Both the shipyards will be developed on PPP basis."
Kerala is also keen to developing several ports. "The berths will be developed by private parties while general infrastructure like dredging will be taken up by the state, which will hold 26 per cent stake in the projects," Capt. Radhakrishnan explained on the sidelines of India Shipping Summit 2007.
The Centre has decided to develop Azheekal Port under the National Maritime Development Programme. This port will be developed on international standards at an estimated cost of Rs 1,550 crore. It will be executed in two phases that will include seven multipurpose berths for liquid and container cargo, two bulk cargo berths and a terminal for passengers. Tender for consultant has been floated. The consultant will help the state appoint a private partner through global bidding on revenue sharing model. The detailed project report has been already prepared by Delhi-based Howe. ICICI Kinfra was the financial consultant. Land acquisition for port-related activities like warehousing and SEZ will also be taken up.
The existing berth at Bypore will be modernised and a new berth will be developed to handle all kinds of cargo at a cost of around Rs 600 crore. Tender for consultant to prepare the DPR for the project has been floated. Plans to revive Kollam Port are also on the cards; the state will take up dredging up to 7.5 metres and will construct breakwaters up to 1.5 km.
"We are also planning to develop a port at Ponnani through Swiss Challenge Method," Capt. Radhakrishnan revealed. The cost of this project is estimated at Rs 600 crore. The DPR for this project is under preparation.
Kerala also plans to develop a marina, at Alappuzha, for water-based tourism like water sports, yacht parking and sailing, and will be linked to the backwaters. The project will also involve development of hotels adjacent to the marina. L&T Ramboll has prepared the DPR. The cost of the project is about Rs 450 crore. Global tender will be called soon.
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