AsiaPorts and Logistics

Frantic efforts to rescue Vizhinjam container terminal

Thiruvananthapuram: Dismayed at the absence of response to the Vizhinjam port and container transhipment project, the Kerala state government has offered to talk to the three companies who had purchased the RFP (request for proposal) documents, but failed to put in a bid on Monday, the appointed day.

The three prospective bidders for the INR40.89bn ($650m) project – Adani Ports, Essar Ports and Srei-OHL Consortium – were also told that the last date for submission of bids had been extended by a month to March 23.

A big plus point is that all clearances, including viability gap funding, have been received. Nevertheless, the special purpose vehicle Vizhinjam International Seaport Ltd (VISL) is open to the option of suitably tweaking what it feels is a well-structured package, should bidders need it that way.

The state authorities need to dispel the feeling amongst the bidders that the port project may not be granted exemption from cabotage laws.

Shirish Nadkarni

Shirish Nadkarni is a management consultant and freelance international journalist, who has been writing on all spheres of Indian business for the past three decades for a number of reputed overseas publications. An avid sportsman, Nadkarni has represented India in international veterans' badminton since 1997, and was the 55+ age group doubles world champion in 2005.
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