The original schedule was to complete the first phase
by Dec 2019. However, due to the shortage of rocks for the construction of
breakwater delayed the work. It had become difficult to source the rocks and
hence the first phase of the project could not be completed on time, said the
minister The minister said 73.72% of the
dredging and reclamation work has been completed so far.
Similarly, 68% of the breakwater construction, 87.75% of berth, 81% of the
building construction, 52% of the construction of the container yard, 73% of
the work for the installation of cranes and tugs and 51.8% of the construction
of the roads inside the port have been completed.
The mother ships
will start reaching the port after the completion of the first phase. At present four ships carrying containers have reached the port, and
the installation of the cranes are being carried out at the port.
It is estimated that in the first phase, the port will
be able to handle one lakh containers. This capacity will be increased
corresponding to the completion of the projects in subsequent phases, the
minister said.
As part of developing the basic infrastructural
facilities for the port, work for the road and rail connectivity are
progressing at a rapid pace.
With the completion of these two along with the first
phase completion of the port, we can ensure a smooth movement of containers to
different places, he said.
The construction of the skill park is nearing
completion. The skill park is intended to provide a work force for the port
activities. The National Highway
Authority of India has begun the tender process for the outer ring road
connecting the industrial corridor planned between Vizhinjam and Navaikulam.