Panel rejects Welspun offer

A high-level committee, headed by the Chief Secretary, has recommended to the government not to accept the revised offer of Welspun Infratech Limited (India) for taking up the port operator’s role at the proposed International Transhipment Port at Vizhinjam. A consortium led by Welspun, the only entity in the scene for taking up the role, had originally sought a grant of Rs.479.54 crore from the State government. Subsequently, the consortium scaled down its grant demand to Rs.399.5 crore.

The committee told the government that the Welspun-led consortium could be considered for the port operator’s role if it was ready to take it up without any demand for grant. The committee suggested that this stand could be communicated to the consortium to know its willingness and, if the response was negative, the government could go in for a fresh tender.

The Cabinet would examine the committee’s report and take a decision, a top official told

The Hindu . Besides the Chief Secretary, the committee includes the Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Principal Secretary (Finance), Principal Secretary (Ports), Law Secretary and the Managing Director of VISL, the government company facilitating the project.