Model code of conduct hampers seaport project at Vizhinjam
8 Mar, 2014According to information obtained using the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the government has spent over Rs 612 crore during the past nine years for building an international seaport at Vizhinjam, Thiruvananthapuram. The secretary of the organisation Vizhinjam Motherport Action Council (V-mac) Wilfred Culas has claimed that Rs 612,30,61,900 has been spent over nine years on this project. But with the declaration of the Lok Sabha elections, the bid process is mired in uncertainty. Very few companies are likely to show interest unless it is clear who will come to power at the Centre. Wilfred referred to the statement of the Ports Minister in the Assembly made on March 18 that the construction would begin towards the end of 2013. However, the seaport project is now handicapped by the Model Code of Conduct.