Both Vizhinjam and Kulachal ports are needed: Modi

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has informed Chief Minister Pinarai Vijayan that both Kulachal and Vizhinjam ports were required for the nation’s development and competition in this sector would be beneficial.

The Prime Minister conveyed this view to the Chief Minister when the latter called on Mr. Modi expressing concerns over clearance granted by the Centre for port at Kulachal which was only 35 km from Vizhinjam.

Mr. Modi, however, told Mr. Vijayan that the Centre would give priority to Vizhinjam being the first project proposed in the area. The Centre would provide all the assistance required. Vizhijam would be considered for inclusion in the ‘Sagaramala’ project.

Mr. Vijayan pointed out that Planning Commission had recommended that new ports should be sanctioned within 100 km of another port only if the old port had achieved 90 per cent of its capacity or completed 15 years.

Later, the Chief Minister told the media that the government proposed to do all that is needed for speedy completion of Vizhinjam Port.

Mr. Vijayan said that the Prime Minister had, in principle, agreed to the proposal for setting up a petrochemical complex and pharma park on land belonging to FACT in Kochi.  Mr. Modi also agreed with the proposal for revival of the urea plant of FACT using LNG as raw material. However, the Prime Minister wanted the GAIL pipeline to be completed first before the Centre could take up revival of urea plant.

He said that the Prime Minister had promised to consider his request for a revival package for cashew industry in the State on the lines of the package proposed for textiles.

He said that Kerala Government was not in favour of the previous Government’s proposal to start airlines. It was also opposed to the Aranmula airport project. Union Civil Aviation Minister had promised to bring his demand for resumption of operations of large aircraft from Kozhikode to the notice of the Director General of Civil Aviation. Land would be acquired for extension of the runway of Kozhikode airport.

He had also sought concessions for Kannur airport in regard to various services such as customs and immigration for five years. There was agreement on proposals to develop airstrips at various places in Kerala for tourism development.