WASHINGTON: The ongoing developmental of the Azhikkal port will be expedited as the government is planning to launch projects on a priority basis to utilise the funds allocated in the State Budget.
The decision to accelerate the ongoing was taken at a review meeting held at the port site on Saturday evening. The meeting of Port officials, people’s representatives, and representatives of the business community was convened by Ports Minister Ramachandran Kadannappally. When contacted, the Minister told The Hindu here on Sunday that the Ports Department would soon launch projects to utilise the budgetary allocation of Rs.500 crore for accelerating the port’s development. The plan was to complete the works in a time-bound manner, he said, adding efforts would also be taken to mobilise funds through special investment package. Efforts would also be taken to rope in the Central government to develop the port’s infrastructural facilities, he added.
The Minister also said the port’s trade links with Lakshadweep and other parts could be strengthened on completion of the works. He said he made a proposal at the meeting to extend the passenger cruise ship services planned to be started from Kozhikode to Kochi soon. The Ports Department officials at the meeting assured him that the feasibility of extending the services to Kannur would be examined after the trial cruise of the two vessels now being modified in Kochi. There was also a proposal for starting a passenger service from Azhikkal to Lakshadweep after the completion of the ongoing developmental works, he said.
Mr. Kadannappally also said the Ports Department would take up the Azhikkal port development project with the Central government to secure the Centre’s assistance for the project. He said the full-fledged development of the port would be possible only if there was road infrastructure in the region. He also said an elaborate meeting on port’s development would be convened to chalk out plans. P.K. Sreemathy, MP, K.A. Shaji, MLA, Ports Director Sheikh Pareeth, and District Collector Mir Mohammed Ali were among those present at the meeting.
