Question : DE-LINKING OF VADINAR AREAS

(a) whether there was an understanding between Government of Gujarat and the Government of India that Vadinar would be developed an oil import terminal for I.O.C. only;

(b) whether a proposal was made by Union Government to form a separate company as a Special Purpose Vehicle for the development of Vadinar Port with 262 equity holding by Kandla Port Trust and remaining equity holding by Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) and Gujarat Government;

(c) whether the issue was finally discussed by the Chief Minister of Gujarat with the Minister in a meeting held on June 14, 2002; and

(d) if so, whether a final decision in the matter has been conveyed to the Government of Gujarat, if not, by when it is likely to be conveyed?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SHIPPING (SHIR SU. THIRUNAVUKKARASAR)

(a) to (d): The Government of Gujarat, from time to time, has been requesting to revert Vadinar, which was earlier part of minor port of Salaya, by delinking it from Kandla port limit. Vadinar was included in the limit of Kandla Port after Government of Gujarat issued notification deleting it from the limit of minor port of Salaya, while the Government of India issued notification for its inclusion in the limit of Kandla Major Port. The denotification by Government of Gujarat did not limit use of Vadinar for import of crude for I.O.C. refinery only.
Government of India had suggested to Government of Gujarat for formation of a joint venture company with Kandla Port Trust and Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) of State Government as partners for the development of facilities at Vadinar. However, the Gujarat Government did not show interest in forming a joint venture. The issue was also discussed between Minister (Shipping) and Chief Minister of Gujarat on 01.04.2002 and 14.06.2002 at New Delhi. It is not possible to give a time frame for a final decision in the matter as any agreement would require concurrence of both the parties.