Vizhinjam: Date of commissioning should not be postponed again

An amicable solution has been found to the ongoing dispute over the construction of the Vizhinjam port, which is considered to be a milestone in the development path of the state. There was some dispute with the Adani Group, which had undertaken the construction of the port. According to the first agreement, the first phase of the port was to be completed by December 3, 2019. The construction work of Vizhinjam Port started when VS Achuthanandan was the Chief Minister. It was promised that a huge cargo ship would be anchored in Vizhinjam after 1000 days from the start of the work. However, the innumerable hurdles in the completion of such big projects in the state adversely affected Vizhinjam as well. The government started interfering with the Adani company in many matters and the contract company deliberately delayed the works which all affected the project negatively.

The port should have been commissioned as early as possible considering the huge benefits that the state would get if it became functional. Obstacles in the supply of rock required for the construction of the breakwater had caused delays in the works. Problems due to lack of coordination among government departments also caused the project to drag on indefinitely. Apart from this, two more natural disasters happened and everything turned upside down. Although the deadline was extended several times, the target could not be reached. Adani company approached arbitration against the government on the extension issue as a last resort. Arbitration proceedings naturally take a long time to complete. The government decided to compromise and take necessary steps to complete the first phase of the port as soon as possible based on the fact that the state would have to face a huge loss if it waits till then.

The cabinet meeting has given approval to give time till December 3 this year to complete the first phase of construction and to sign a tripartite agreement to get the Centre's viability gap fund. 817 crores should be received from the Centre in this regard. The arbitration proceedings are being terminated in order to speed up the construction of the port as much as possible. The estimate that the port will be operational by next May will have to be revised once again. The government was ready to compromise on the assurance of the Adani Group that there would be no further delay in the construction.

When the Vizhinjam port becomes fully functional, its benefits will be immense. The beginning of Vizhinjam port will open huge development opportunities. The port will provide an opportunity to start many allied industrial units. There will be thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities. The tax revenue generated by the port to the state and central governments will also be huge. All this shows the potential for all-round development of the capital district. Many years have already been lost due to lack of foresight. Let's not delay the commissioning of the port. The first phase should be completed by next December and the port should be ready for anchoring ships.