Date:06/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/06/stories/2008080655890700.htm

Kerala

Defence Ministry nod for Vizhinjam project

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: The Union Defence Ministry has given clearance for the Vizhinjam project in Kerala, provided Indian Navy ships are allowed open access to the port and an officer of the Kochi-based Southern Naval Command is inducted on the port’s board to look after security-related issues.

The Rs. 5,348-crore project will now require security clearances from other Central agencies before a consortium led by Hyderabad-based Lanco Kondapalli Power Private Ltd, Lanco Infrastructure Limited and Malaysia-based Pembinaan Redzai Sdn. Bhd takes up the implementation of the project in two phases.

The Vizhinjam port will not require any dredging and will be built over 150 acres.