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As new ports face viability issues, the Union government plans to firm up a policy guideline on location of green-field ports. This development gains importance after the Kerala government opposed centre’s decision to allow setting up a major port in Tamil Nadu.
Kerala said the proposed Enayam port in Tamil Nadu would come up within 35 km radius of Vizhinjam port in the state, which is being developed by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ). The transshipment container terminal at Vizhinjam would be developed under design, build, finance, operate and transfer (DBFOT) mode in four phases by APSEZ.
The agreement granting concession for 40 years to the Adani Group was signed on August 17, 2015 between Adani Vizhinjam Port Pvt Limited and Government of Kerala for the development of this green-field project.
Earlier this month, the Cabinet approved setting up a major port at Enayam, near Colachel in Tamil Nadu. This would be the country’s 13th major port. A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) will be formed for development of Colachel port with initial equity investment from the three existing major ports in Tamil Nadu – V O Chidambaranar Port Trust, Chennai Port Trust, and Kamarajar Port Limited.
Ministry of Shipping is preparing a concept paper on the subject that would be presented in the Maritime States Development Council, likely to take place in the next 2-3 months.
Opinions and suggestions of the states would be sought during that meeting to decide the future course of action.
The concept paper is expected in a month’s time, the official said adding, at present there is no such guideline on minimum distance between two ports.
Industry experts feel that any such policy would only streamline port and port lead development in the country.
Maritime states should come forward in the formulation of this policy. Though bringing them on board is a challenge but at least they should make an attempt, Vishwas Udgirkar, Senior Director, Deloitte India said.
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