Cochin Port hopes to complete ICTT scheme well in time

Kochi: The Cochin Port Trust said on Friday that there was no reason for concern as it has taken up various steps required for the timely completion of the Rs 2,118-crore ICTT project as per the pre-planned schedules, besides closely following up all steps required for the environmental clearances.

The clarification of the port authorities has come in the wake of reports on the delay in getting the required clearance from the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests for the international container transhipment terminal (ICTT) project to be taken up by the port with DP World.

The port officials in a statement issued here pointed out that environmental clearances are required for the main ICTT terminal facilities at Vallarpadam Island, for the National Highway connectivity project from Vallarpadam to Kalamassery and for the rail connectivity project.

According to officials, the Ministry of Environment had accorded environmental clearance for the construction of the four-lane highway connectivity project between Vallarpadam and Kalamassery following the relentless efforts made by the port. As for the rail connectivity, the environmental clearance is being directly handled by the Railway Board and RVNL.

However, for the environmental clearance for the main terminal facilities and deepening of the channels, the Port Trust had applied for the clearances from the Environment Ministry.

Based on the issues raised during the hearing of the Expert Committee of Environment for Infrastructure Projects, which discussed the case, the Ministry had asked the Port Trust in February for a range of information and study reports for considering the case.

The Port Trust accordingly appointed the Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS), Pune, to study the hydrological impact of various proposed constructions and deepening of the channels. The Bhaba Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and the National Institute of Oceanography are also involved in these studies.