THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The State budget presented by Finance Minister T.M. Thomas Isaac in the Assembly on Thursday provides an outlay of Rs.25.70 crore to establish rail-road connectivity and provide water supply, power and other infrastructure for the proposed international deep-sea container transhipment terminal at Vizhinjam.

Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited (VISL), a public company floated by the government for the project, will be responsible for infrastructure development.

Mr. Isaac said global tenders had been floated and offers received for the port. VISL, he said, would be a joint-venture company. The budget proposes the establishment of a centre for alternative building technology and heritage studies in the State capital. The centre will be named after eminent architect Laurie Baker. An amount of Rs.80 lakh has been earmarked for the project.

Source: The Hindu