Vizhinjam A dream project, says Oommen Chandy

Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Wednesday said Vizhinjam seaport was a dream project of the UDF Government and it would examine all aspects related to the single bid in a transparent manner before taking a final decision.

At the Cabinet briefing, Mr Chandy said that UDF Government was firm on making Vizhinjam a reality. “There is only a single bidder in the third tender that has been floated for the project. We are looking at the possibilities of implementing the project in a transparent manner and by protecting the interests of the state. We cannot allow the project to lapse, three meetings have already taken place and many more are lined up,” Mr Chandy said.

Ahmedabad based Adani Ports was the lone bidder for the project. Experts say while there were no legal hurdles in going ahead with the single bidder, the government was trying to negotiate with the company on various issues including the grant amount of Rs 1635 demanded by the company.

The bid is currently being examined by the empowered committee headed by chief secretary, the board of Vizhinjam International Seaport Ltd and Cabinet.

When asked about reports of a Malaysian company coming for the bid after the tender process got over, the chief minister said he was not aware of the development.

However, he said during the bids for such mega projects such tactics were employed to delay or divert the plan. “We will not be bogged down by such tactics,” he added.

The chief minister said companies that do not have the capability or the capacity to bid, some time indulge in such tactics to prevent the project or create confusion.