The Department of Ports Kerala has extended the last date for submitting of techno-economic bids for the Vizhinjam international container transshipment terminal to 30 July 2005 from 8 June 2005. The extension in date is in response to the request of some prospective bidders.

So far, 18 companies have bought request for proposal (RFP) from the department. Some of those who had earlier expressed interest in the project, but refrained from submitting their bids for various reasons the last time, also appear in the new list.

They include Beckett Rankine, London; Gammon India; Afcons Infrastructure, Mumbai; IL&FS and Hili Company; A.R. Traders; Sical Logistics and L&T ECC.

The new entrants include Marubeni of Japan; Giss-Eta of the US; Zoom Developers, Mumbai; CMA CGM Global (India) Ltd; Essar Shipping; First Wallstreet Group and Consortium, New York and Ital-Thai Development Company, Bangkok.

Phase I of the project, estimated to cost Rs.1,850 crore and with a gestation period of five years, envisages construction of 1.25 km berth to handle vessels of 8,000 TEU over five years. The total project cost is around Rs.4,200 crore at current prices.

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Vizhinjam terminal lures 14 cos (09-Apr-05)