Vizhinjam project work to begin this month

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Work on the first phase of the Vizhinjam international container transhipment terminal project will be launched this month, Minister for Ports and Youth Affairs V. Surendran Pillai has said.

Addressing a meet-the-press programme at the Thiruvananthapuram Press Club on Thursday, Mr. Pillai said the first phase would lay thrust on developing infrastructure facilities. Road and rail connectivity were imperative for developing the port. Works costing Rs.450 crore would be taken up in the first phase.

He said nearly 120 acres of land would be needed for developing the port. About 30 acres would be needed for laying roads. The expression of interest for the project had so far elicited 50 enquiries. Already two bidders had come forward, he said.