THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, presenting the 2016-17 state budget on Friday, announced the ‘Sagarmala’ project for the development of ports in the state. “Sagarmala will promote port-led direct and indirect development and provide infrastructure to transport goods to and from ports quickly, efficiently and cost effectively,’’ he said.
“The government has earmarked a token provision for the initiative as central assistance for it depends on the Government of India decision. The budget has earmarked a total of Rs 126.01 crore for the ports sector. From this, Rs 76.5 crore will be used for developing infrastructure in the minor ports for handling shipping,” he said. The major allocations are as follows: Thangassery (Rs 15.7 crore), Kodungallur (Rs 11.5 crore), Ponnani (Rs 1.7 crore), Beypore and Kozhikode (Rs 12.9 crore), Azheekkal (Rs 10.10 crore) and Vizhinjam Cargo Harbour (Rs 24.6 crore). The Vizhinjam International Container Transshipment Terminal project, on which work has started, has been given a token allocation.
Major Thrust To Ports
■ Ports sector gets Rs 126.01 crore
■ Rs 76.5 crore will be used for developing infrastructure in minor ports
■ Rs 10 crore for Poonthura-Valiyathura fishing harbour scheme
■ Rs 10 crore for Chellanam mini harbour
■ Rs 1 crore for Azheekal port.
