Padmesh Prabhune –
Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari has assured that the uncertainty prevailing over the construction of the much-needed road connecting the Vizhinjam International Seaport to National Highway 66 will soon be over. Gadkari stated that the port, managed by Adani Ports, had initially committed to building the road but has now stepped back, leaving the problem unresolved.
Answering to the question by Thiruvananthapuram MP, Shashi Tharoor in Lok Sabha, Gadkari said that he was completely in agreement with Tharoor’s assessment of the matter and that the road must be developed for the prosperity of the port, adding that long discussions on the construction of the road, were already held by him with Kerala’s Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, in the last few days. Gadkari promised that the situation would be addressed soon.
Tharoor thanked the Union Minister for his positive approach toward resolving the matter and reiterated his commitment to closely monitor progress on connecting Vizhinjam with essential rail and road networks, taking necessary actions as needed.
The Vizhinjam International Seaport is being developed as a state-of-the-art deep-sea port to accommodate large container vessels. However, for the port to achieve its economic potential, it has to be endowed with the necessary infrastructure, among them efficient transport links.
Marex Media
Why the Road to Vizhinjam Port is Important
The road connecting the Vizhinjam port to NH66 is important for the effective movement of goods, particularly containers, in and out of the port.
The proposed inauguration of the Vizhinjam International Seaport next month heightens the need for this infrastructural development.
According to Tharoor, unless the road and rail connectivity are available for the movement of containers, the port cannot be utilized at its potential as a major maritime hub.