THIRUVANANTHAPURAM — Chief Minister V D Satheesan slammed the former Left Democratic Front (LDF) government Tuesday for not boosting connectivity to new Vizhinjam port. He argued the port's export-import potential could have soared,estimating benefits might've been 100 times greater with proper road and rail links.
At a press conference,Satheesan highlighted the obligations in the Vizhinjam concession agreement,which included ensuring solid transport infrastructure. He stated,“For 10 years,the LDF government didn't even crawl like a tortoise on this.” He vowed the United Democratic Front (UDF) government would fix these issues fast.
Shortly after taking office, UDF set aside ₹3,000 crore for land related to a ₹15,000-crore ring road project to improve port access. On rail links, Satheesan said talks are ongoing with Union ministries of Ports, Railways, and Surface Transport,with a timeline for completion to be announced soon.
Satheesan also tackled rumors about Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal missing the Vizhinjam event, denying it was over the Vande Mataram controversy. He said Sonowal was absent due to unexpected official duties.
When asked why the opposition skipped the inauguration, Satheesan remarked,“Ask them. How would I know?” He was speaking as he launched EXIM operations and the Mission Samudra project,aiming to turn Kerala into key port hub by linking Cochin Port and 18 minor ports with Vizhinjam,calling it a “gateway” to global shipping .
Starting EXIM at Vizhinjam will let Kerala export its goods more efficiently, cutting costs and transit times. He urged the state to seize this chance for economic growth.
Separately,the chief minister voiced displeasure over a recent share transfer involving Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ). He said the government told APSEZ they should've been informed before submitting to the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). APSEZ later clarified it was an unintentional oversight due to standard procedures in Gujarat and apologized.
In June,APSEZ announced Switzerland-based Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), the world's largest shipping group,would buy a 49% stake in Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Limited (AVPPL) for about $1.4 billion.
Satheesan also laid out the government's drive to speed up national highway construction across the state. He said he had detailed talks with National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officials to address highway sections lagging or facing complaints. “We'll take steps to finish construction work as quickly as possible,” he stated.
The government is gathering info on slow-moving highway sections and is actively working with NHAI to speed up the process.
