Disturbing thoughts

"This is the last chance for Vizhinjam.

If no credible agency comes forward to bid for the project that will sound the death bell for this project.
This was precisely the reason why I thought I should give practical and sensible advice to the Kerala Govt how they should make this project attractive to the investors. The best way is to offer a 50 year period so that more investors will compete for the project.
If the Kerala Govt considers 50 years being a very long period how could Maharashtra Govt agree for 50 years? Why should Pondicherry Govt agree for 30 years extendable for another 20 years?
Vizhinjam is expected to attract container traffic emanating from other ports and already there is keen competition within the major ports for container traffic. As the terminal is expected to survive basically on transhipment cargo the investor will be facing an uncertain future.

A longer concession period will help the investor to weather the storm in the initial stages and turn the project profitable in the long run.

What would the Kerala Govt do if the Tamil Nadu govt advertises for Coalachal and offer a longer concession period of 50 years to make their transhipment project more attractive?.

I strongly believe that the TN Govt would exactly do the same. If that happens the Govt of kerala will look very vulnerable. By the time it will be too late to correct the course and the State will miss its last bus!"

Letter from Dr.Jose Paul