NAGAPATTINAM: The construction work of the integrated port and power projects involving a total investment of Rs 10,000 crore at Thirukkuvalai, the birth place of Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, is all set to commence soon.
According to sources in Tridem Port and Power Company Private Ltd, authorised by the Tamil Nadu Government to implement the project, the construction work for both the port as well as the power plant will commence simultaneously.
The first phase of these projects will be undertaken at a cost of Rs 4,000 crore — Rs 2,500 crore for power plant and Rs 1,500 crore for the port.
The thermal power plant will have a capacity of 2000 MW and it would be set up at Kilapadugai and Karapadugai villages near Tirukkuvalai.
The deep draft captive port will be established at Vettaikaraniruppu village, about three km from the power plant site.
The first phase work of both the power plant as well as the port will be completed before the end of 2011.
This integrated project will occupy a sprawling 3000 acre to set up economically vibrant infrastructural industrial base, said the sources.
“This coastal power plant will largely depend on imported coal as fuel. In order to ensure fuel supply, Tridem has taken steps to invest in coal mines in Indonesia,” said the sources.
Indian Seamless Metal Tubes, the Pune-based steel major has partnered with Tridem to execute this mega project.
Tridem sources pointed out that the commissioning of the port and power project would kick-start infrastructure activities and would help unleash the immense potential for small and big industries in the vicinity.
It may be noted that Chief Minister Karunanidhi conceptualised this project in 2007 with a view to providing employment opportunities to thousands of rural people.