The Union Minister for Shipping Shri G.K. Vasan has handed over a Cheque for Rs. 50.50 crores (Rs. 43 Crores of Chennai Port Trust and Rs. 7.5 Crores of Ennore Port) towards Equity Share Contribution for the Chennai Port Road Connectivity Project at a function organized at Chennai Port today.

During the function, the Minister elaborated various development Projects and initiatives taken up by Chennai Port Trust.

Both Chennai and Ennore Ports are contributing a total amount of Rs.284.43 crores which is almost 50% of the project cost. So far, including today’s share contribution of Rs. 50.50 crores, a total amount of Rs.135 crores has already been paid by both the Ports and the remaining amount would be paid very shortly.

This project is being implemented at a cost of Rs.600 crores and is expected to be completed by June 2013. Till now, around 32% of the work has been completed.

He also informed that land acquisition has been completed and for the rehabilitation of affected fishermen, necessary fishing stalls are being provided for their livelihood.

The Minister also stated that the Vessel Traffic Management Services (VTMS) Project of Chennai Port has already been awarded to Kongsberg Norcontrol, Norway at a cost of Rs.9.81 crores. This includes Operation and Maintenance for 5 years after 1 year warranty period. The work of installation of VTMS has already been completed and under trial run. Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard is in the process of procuring a Video Remote Display fed from the VTMS. The VTMS is scheduled to be inaugurated shortly.

The Minister also explained that the Ministry of Shipping has recently announced a Novel scheme to provide financial assistance as a one-time measure for the self employment of the dependants of the employees who died while in service.

Shri Vasan also stated that the compassionate appointment to the dependents of the employees who died while in service was taking a very long waiting period. Hence, Chennai Port would provide an amount of Rs.1.25 lakhs to Rs.5 lakhs as financial assistance depending on the number of years they are waiting for. This scheme was announced first in Vizag Port Trust. On the same line, this scheme has been approved for Chennai Port. So far, 663 out of 868 dependants have submitted their required particulars and after scrutiny, they will be provided financial assistance during July, 2012, the Minister added.

29 June 2012