Thiruvananthapuram: Despite protests and controversies, Adani Group said the Vizhinjam International Port Project will become operational by Onam.

A trial run of port operations will begin in May using large barges loaded with containers.

Meanwhile, Adani has started discussions on commercial transactions with international shipping companies. Pradeep Jayaraman, who took over as the new CEO of the port, said the project can be completed as an Onam gift to the Malayalis.

The breakwater of the harbour has a total length of 2959 metres, out of which 2800 metres have already been completed. This accounts for 90 per cent of the total length. The construction of the first phase of the berth and yard is also in its final stage. Out of the 800-meter berth, 650 meters have been completed so far.

It is required to have a total of 32 cranes, including 24-yard cranes and eight ship-to- shore cranes, for the construction of the port. These cranes will be fully installed in the month of April. A 1.7-kilometre road is currently under construction, which will connect the port to the national highway.

A 3,80,000-square-meter container yard is to be constructed to unload the containers arriving from the ship. In the first phase, about 100,000 square meters of work have been completed.

Eight buildings have been completed for various purposes at the port. Work is in progress, including a fire protection system. 

The pilot-cum-survey vessel, mooring launches, and navigation equipment required for various purposes will soon be delivered to Vizhinjam. Four tugs have also been set up to guide the ships to the port.

Once operational, Vizhinjam will become a key hub in the port network that the Adani Group is creating from Haifa in Israel to Colombo in Sri Lanka. Adani Group is investing Rs 10,000 crore for the second and third phases of the port's development by 2028

But still, the government is unable to find the amount to be paid to the Adani Group for the construction, which is creating a crisis.

Source: Mathrubhumi 

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