Though the board of trustees of the Cochin Port Trust had cleared the project way back in August last entrusting the P&O Ports, which was the sole bidder, the construction of the Rs 1,843 crore transhipment terminal, the Union government has yet not responded to it. The Union Ministers Mr Arun Jaitley and Mr O Rajagopal had visited the proposed site recently and had assured prompt action in getting sanction for the project. But noting has been come out of these visits.

Secretary of Shipping MP Pinto. who came here on a site visit to the proposed Vallarpadam project on Friday is non-committal when asked about the delay for the centrer's nod to this regard. Fielding the queries of newsmen regarding the lethargic attitude of the Centre towards the project he became cautious enough to evade a direct reply and only said that Kochi is on top in shipping ministry's agenda regarding infrastructure development.

"As the Cochin Port lies on a strategically important route, we are taking utmost caution to get the best deal for the construction of the proposed Vallarpadam project", came the apt comment of Mr Pinto obviously defending the government stand "on taking time" for granting Central nod.

Though he is not willing to disclose as to when the clearance will be granted, he however, said that the project will be given sanction as early as possible.

"We can not take a hasty decision on this because the project has to have a licence period of 30 years", he said. The Union secretary said the Cochin Port should diversify into other areas of operations and for this a road map has to be drawn indicating the future of the Port.He added that a blueprint of action during the next 10 to 15 years is ready.

Cargo diversification is the major thrust of the new initiatives. A proper product mix, including more liquid cargo, marketing strategies are part of the plan, he said.

He emphasised on the need for the development of small ports by the State governments in order to attract private investment as well as infrastructure development of the states concerned. The minor ports in the country are now playing a crucial role in the cargo movement.

An investment worth about Rs 15,000 crore is expected to come in the port sector in the near future, Mr Pinto said pointing out that a total investment of more than Rs 14,000 crore has been finalised in this regard.

He said that developing new ports would help in reducing cargo movement through roads, that in turn, would help decongest roads, improve road condition as also reduce expenses on road maintenance along the highways.