Thaindian News

Thiruvananthapuram, May 31 (IANS) Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy Thursday refuted media reports that mega development projects in the state are getting delayed, saying these are progressing as per schedule.

“I specially invite the journalist who gave the report on the Smart City project being delayed on June 9 when the state-of-the-art sales pavilion will be opened. On the same day, the foundation stone of a three million square feet building will be laid and would cost Rs.600 crore, which would be completed in 18 months,” said Chandy, reacting to a television report that projects like Smart City are getting delayed.

“It is unfortunate that such a report was given and I am very much available to all and if this reporter had any doubt he could have asked me. I wish to ask, why none said anything on the five-year delay by the previous Left government with regards to the Smart City project,” asked Chandy.

Smart City Kochi is being built by Smart City Dubai and the ground-breaking ceremony was held in October last year.

Informatively, it was Chandy in 2004 who had first announced the Rs.5,000 crore IT project that is expected to provide jobs to 90,000 professionals.

On the proposed Rs.5,181 crore Kochi Metro rail project, Chandy said he was certain that the first train would run in three years’ time.

“We have got the clearance for this project from the Planning Commission and the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs and all what remains is the clearance from the cabinet, which is expected to come in a few days. Already you would have seen the pace of work that’s going on at Kochi connected to this mega project.”

About the Rs.4,010 crore Vizhinjam International port near Kovalam, he said the infrastructure work was going on and we have to abide by the directions of the Central Vigilance Commission because there has been only one tender that was cleared.

“Right now the environment impact study is going on and last year when it started it was said that it would take 18 months for the report to come out. Even if we have to invite a fresh tender, we are still on course according to our schedule,” said Chandy.

The other major projects that have been cleared include the Kannur Airport and the monorail project in state capital and Kozhikode.

“Please do understand that when we go ahead with major projects, certain hitches will come up, but we are quite capable of coming out of such issues. And we have done that, if you look back,” said Chandy.