Work on Sethusamudram Ship Channel Project (SSCP) to be completed by December, 2008 says Thiru. T.R. Baalu
PROJECT WORK REVIEWED TODAY
The Union Minister of Shipping, Road Transport & Highways, Thiru. T.R. Baalu has said that the work on the Sethusamudram Ship Channel Project (SSCP) would be completed before December, 2008. The Minister today reviewed the progress of the Project with the officials of the Sethusamudram Corporation Limited (SCL) and Dredging Corporation of India (DCI) besides other concerned agencies.
The DCI, which has been awarded the contract for carrying out the dredging works, informed that a total of five dredgers are deployed for the dredging work – four at Adam’s Bridge area and one at Palk Bay/Pak Strait. As on date, a total of 18.74 Million Cubic Metres of dredging has been carried out.
The Minister directed the officials to re-work the inspection schedule of the dredging work to ensure that the progress of work on the Project is continuously monitored and problem areas are addressed to immediately.
DCI had also, pursuant to the direction of the Minister, prepared weekly targets for the dredging to be carried out, which are being monitored on regular basis.
A meeting has also been held with the Chairman, M/s. Kojimagumi Company Limited, a Japanese company, who are in possession of the world’s largest Grab dredger and wish to offer it for SSCP. Thiru. Baalu directed the officials to finalise the negotiations with this company at the earliest.
Thiru. Baalu also reviewed the progress of the repair of dredger Aquarius and expressed his satisfaction that the work is progressing as per schedule. The dry docking would be completed by October, 2007 onwards, which is the next working season after the South-West Monsoon. The procurement of Barge Handling System for dredger Aquarius, which would greatly improve its productivity is also being finalised. This Barge Handling System is targeted to be installed on dredger Aquarius by November, 2007.
VBA
(Release ID :28735)