In Kerala, the Vizhinjam international seaport will have the deepest draft in the country and it will be able to berth mega vessels of 18,000 TEU capacity. The master plan for the proposed Rs 4,010-crore Vizhinjam project, which was unveiled on May 30, says the port will have several such unique features and is expected to attract many international vessels that pass through the western coast.
The first phase of the project will include a 800-metre-long berth with a breakwater area of 3,180 metres and an adjoining 500-metre-long container yard. The highlights of the master plan include a 500-metre fish landing centre for fishermen, a modern 300-metre cruise terminal to promote tourism-related activities and permanent base stations for Indian Navy and Coast Guard.
Kerala Port and Excise Minister K Babu said that apart from the immediate monetary benefits like getting around Rs 500 crore for providing a base for the defence forces, this station will also spruce up the national marine security and even get a faster environmental clearance from the centre.
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