(a) the present stage of container terminal at Vallarpadam near Cochin, Kerala;
(b) whether the Government have dropped this project for execution;
(c) if not, the reasons for the delay in execution of this project; and
(d) the steps envisaged to make this project functional?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SURFACE TRANSPORT
(DR. DEBENDRA PRADHAN)
(a) to (d): The scheme of development of Container Terminal and Transhipment Centre at Cochin is proposed to be undertaken through a Joint Venture of Cochin Port Trust and the private operator. The developer shall initially operate the existing Rajiv Gandhi Container Terminal and then shift the operation to Vallarpadam. Rajiv Gandhi Container Terminal shall revert back to the Cochin Port Trust without the equipment installed by the developer after the operation is shifted to Vallarpadam. P&O Ports, Australia are the lone bidders for the project. The matter is under active consideration.