 |
| |
|
 |
| |
Vallarpadam Container Terminal |
| |
|
On the 16th February 2005, DP World announced that it has formally signed an agreement with the Cochin Port Trust (CoPT) to construct, develop and operate an International Container Transhipment Terminal (ICTT) – An India Gateway Terminal – at Vallarpadam.
The project was formally launched with the laying of the foundation stone by Mr. Manmohan Singh, the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India. The ceremony was attended by Dr. Jacob Thomas, Chairman, CoPT and Mr. Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, DP World. The proceedings were overseen by the Hon’ble Minister of Shipping, Government of India, Mr.T.R. Baalu, the Hon’ble Chief Minister for Kerala, Mr.Oommen Chandy and His Excellency, the Governor of Kerala, Mr. R.L. Bhatia.
Over the last few months there has been press releases, statements by various State and Union Government leaders and officials and a general thrust in public relations... . all leading to an impression that the Container Transhipment Terminal at Vallarpadam is not only a reality but the actual construction and commissioning is just round the corner.
DECLARATION of the Vallarpadam and Puthuvypeen areas as special economic zones will reduce the cost of the proposed trans-shipment terminal by at least Rs 300 crore by way of exemption from Customs and Excise duties and income-tax, according to Mr Paul Antony, Development Commissioner (DC) of Cochin Special Economic Zone. |
|
| |
|
| |
Metro Railway Project in Kochi |
| |
|
A bouquet of achievements awaits Kerala with the longawaited Kochi Metro Rail Project close to being realised and Kozhikode set to be included in the expanded Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission. The Planning Commission, after long and hefty persuasion by the Ministry of Urban Development, has given the green signal to the Metro Rail Project on the lines proposed by the State - a joint venture of the State Government and the Centre.
The Metro Rail Project, which could change the face of Kochi, has been put on the fast track with its inclusion in the 100-day programme of the Ministry of Urban Development. This was announced by Union Urban Development Minister Jaipal Reddy while divulging his Ministry's action plan in the coming 100 days. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
Smart City Project in Kochi |
| |
|
| The project was originally initiated by A K Antony in 2003 when he was the chief minister of Kerala. Later, during Oommen Chandy's chief ministerial period, he was very keen about going ahead with this project. For this purpose, he invited the Dubai Internet City officials for a feasibility study and later the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed. Due to protest from opposition parties, he could not make it a reality.
After V. S. Achuthanandan took over as the chief minister, he also showed interest in this project and invited the Dubai Internet City team for another round of discussions. He proposed new suggestions and altered the earlier MoU prepared during Oommen Chandy's time. On 13 May 2007, the officials of the Government of Kerala and TECOM Investments and Sama Dubai signed the final agreements. |
|
| |
|
| |
Oil Excavation Efforts in Progress in Cochin |
| |
|
| KOCHI - Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) on Sunday started a major oil exploration drill off Kochi coast, which could give a major boost to Kerala’s industrial prospects.The early results of the ultra-deep oil explorations in the Kerala-Konkan basin by the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation will be available in 100 days, according to ONGC Chairman and Managing Director R.S. Sharma. Addressing media on the occasion Sharma said that it would take 101 days to get a complete picture of the oil prospects in the area. “I am happy that my initial observation appraisal, assessment has been quite satisfactory. It will take 101 days to complete,” he said. Sharma further informed that initial reports suggests that oil could be found at a depth of 4,500 meters. “This is the first well we are drilling in the ultra deep waters. The water depth of this location is 2,080 meters and the target depth, the further drilling, the sub-surface shall be another about 4,500 meters,” said Sharma. According to scientists, the geological samples obtained under the sea matched seismic and geo-chemical studies and the chemical study results stand positive for further drilling. Most of the preliminary exploratory drilling confirmed the presence of hydro-carbon, carbohydrate and other chemicals.
Experts say it is a major leap for oil and gas exploration in the country as the basin might be an abundant source of oil and natural gas. Once the basin starts crude oil production, it could provide a big boost to the energy-starved Kerala. (ANI) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
