TOR fixed for environmental impact study of Vizhinjam port. [Dated:20/01/2011]

Vizhinjam International Seaport Ltd(VISL); the nodal agency received in principal approval from the MoEF to go ahead with the port construction. The ministry fixed the TOR for the environmental impact study. The TOR asks the VISL to include the following in the impact study

1. Waste management
2. Marine pollution
3. Presence of heavy metals
4. Impact of construction activities on the immediate environs of the port
5. Storage of petroleum products and associated risks
6. Ambient air quality
7. Sedimentation of silt caused by the breakwater

The environmental impact assessment will be conducted over two seasons - the southwest monsoon months and the months that follow it.

IL&FS emerges lowest bidder for stadium in Trivandrum. [Dated:20/01/2011]

IL&FS to build the Rs 161 crores international multipurpose stadium at Kariyavattom, Trivandrum. The project is on annuity basis with a concession period of 15 years including a construction period of 24 months.

The stadium will come up in a 37-acre plot at the Kariyavattom campus of the Kerala University. The main stadium in Kariyavattom will be used for hosting international cricket matches once the Games are over. Besides playing facilities, the stadium will have facilities to run a full-fledged academy and an exhibition-cum-convention centre. The stadium will have parking facility for over 3000 cars.

14 firms submits RFQ documents for Vizhinjam port project. [Dated:10/01/2011]

VISL received 14 bids from international and national giants in the form of consortiums and as individual entities. The list of companies include Reliance, GMR, GVK, Gammon Infrastructure Projects, Mundra Port, Essar, Global Yatirim Holding and STFA consortium (Turkey); Jaiprakash Associates; Patel Engineering and Limak (UK) Consortium, Sterlite Industries, Consortium of SCI, SKIL, HCCL, Consortium of Welspun Infratech and Leighton Contractors; Nagarjuna Construction Company and Condor Brookfield Consortium.

The evaluation will be completed in a weeks time and the qualifying companies will be announced by January 19th.

Meanwhile, the VISL board of directors approved the funding plan proposed by the banking consortiums led by State Bank of Travancore and decided to pay KSEB Rs 45 Crores to bring in the power supply to the port site.

Air India Express to shift engineering base to Trivandrum. [Dated:30/12/2010]

TCS signs final lease agreement with Technopark for Technocity Campus. [Dated:23/12/2010]

TCS signed the final lease agreement with Technopark for Technocity Campus to set up the Rs 1500 crores "Global Learning & Development Center". The lease deed was signed between CEO Mr. Mervin Alexander and Mr. S. Mahalingam, Director & CFO of TCS. The lease deed is for 82 acres of land for 90 years.TCS will be setting up their Global Learning Centre which will train and accommodate 15,000 employees at any point of time which will be an Iconic and landmark campus in India.

HCL Infosystems signs lease agreement with Technopark to set up their research centre. [Dated:07/12/2010]

HCL Infosystems today signed the lease agreement for 2 acres of land in Technopark Phase III for setting up their R&D centre. GOK has allotted 2 acres of land to HCL in June 2010 during the launch of Technocity.

On behalf of HCL Infosystems, V.K. Bahl, corporate general manager signed the agreement.

HCL Infosystems signs lease agreement with Technopark to set up their research centre. [Dated:07/12/2010]

HCL Infosystems today signed the lease agreement for 2 acres of land in Technopark Phase III for setting up their R&D centre. GOK has allotted 2 acres of land to HCL in June 2010 during the launch of Technocity.

On behalf of HCL Infosystems, V.K. Bahl, corporate general manager signed the agreement.

Kerala cabinet gave approval to form a consortium of banks to raise Rs 2500 Crores for the Vizhinjam port project. [Dated:16/11/2010]

The cabinet on Tuesday gave approval to form a consortium of nationalised banks and financial institutions to raise Rs 2500 Crores for the Vizhinjam port project.

State Bank of Travancore (SBT) will be the lead consortium partner. It is decided that Rs 2500 Crores will be given as debt and hence the consortium will have no stake in the project. The entire 120 hectares to be acquired for the project will be declared as SEZ and the request for notification will be send to the Central gok for approval.

Earlier cabinet meetings has decided to build the project on a "Land Lord Model" and the loan will be repaid by including Rs 250 crores in the budget over a period of 10 years.

Rs 80 Crore National Centre For Molecular Materials to be set up in Trivandrum. [Dated:03/11/2010]

The central government approved the establishment of a National Centre for Molecular Materials (NCMM) at Trivandrum, as an autonomous institute of the Government of India under the Department of Science & Technology, at a total cost of Rs.76.7 crore.

The GOK has given 40 acres of land free of cost @ Vitura. The new campus will share its borders with IISER in 400 acres and IIST in 100 acres.

The centre will be the first of its kind in the country and will pursue high-end science and develop technology in niche areas like sensors for biomedical devices, materials for solar energy harvesting and space electronics.

TCS signs agreement with GOK to develop Rs 2000 Crore Development and Training Centre in Technocity, Trivandrum.[Dated:14/10/2010]

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), the largest IT company signed the agreement to set up Rs 2,000-crore Development and Training Centre in Techocity, Trivandrum

Chief Minster V.S.Achuthanandan handed over the land allottment letter to CEO of TCS, Mr Mr N. Chandrasekaran @ function held in Mascot Hotel in Trivandrum.

The press release statement says "The 10,000-seat campus will set the global benchmark for corporate learning institutions in terms of the physical infrastructure available as well as the holistic professional and personal development programs that will be available," said N Chandrasekaran, CEO and MD, Tata Consultancy Services. "We are delighted to expand our presence significantly in this city, where current primary training center has been located since 1997."

The Campus infrastructure will include classrooms, auditoriums, computer laboratories, a library, cafeterias, accommodation facilities as well as recreational and shopping areas. Construction will commence in 2011-12 and is expected to be completed 36 months from the date of commencement.

This new campus will be learning hub of the organization and will be connected with all other satellite training facilities across the globe.

TCS to develop Rs 2000 Crore training facility in Techocity, Trivandrum. [Dated:14/10/2010]

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) will set up a Rs 2,000-crore training centre in the upcoming Technocity project

The training centre will come up in 82 acres of land. The facility is planned to accomodate 15,000 professionals at one time.

The CEO of TCS, Mr Mr N. Chandrasekaran, is scheduled to visit Trivandrum on Tuesday and sign an agreement with the Technopark CEO, Mr Mervin Alexander.

August 16th 2010 : A Day To Remember. [Dated:16/08/2010]

August 16th of every year, the day India awakes after celebrating its independence, will be remembered for yet another historic moment, it is on August 16th 2010, GOK commenced the work on setting up the basic infrastructure facilities for developing India's sole deepwater container transshipment terminal, the Vizhinjam International Container Transshipment Terminal (VICTT).

Even though we have to travel a lot to attain our main goal of a fully fledged port, the recent developments and commitment shown by GOK and the VISL authorities has given us hope that it will be realized in the near future. The basic infrastructure development which involves development of road, rail, water and power supply has helped the project to ditch its 'Paper Project' image. Moreover with GOKs commitment to fund the first phase which involves Rs 2000 Crore we can hope that the project will be taken to its final destination.

When every media has reported about the components of the first phase development and related activities, they have paid less attention to the most important factor, the land acquisition for setting up these facilities. It is to be remembered that Vizhinjam land acquisition has set a benchmark, for the whole of India, on how land acquisitons should be carried out for projects which involves eviction of people. The GOKs and VISL authorities commitment to provide good compensation package and the important factor re-locating them to a nearby place and the timely distribution of the compensation has been the sole reason why they could acquire the land easily and complete the process much early than they expected. Not many years have passed, since the previous land acquisition has run into agitations, to the extent of losing the project forever.

Like India's freedom struggle, the demand to develop Vizhinjam Port too has been driven by people's movement, the important role being played by Janapaksham. TDF is associated with Janapaksham since the first general convention held at Govt Barton Hill School on October 2nd 2004. All these years lot of effort has gone in to make people, politicians and media aware about "God's Gift to God's Own Country".

1. Bike rally announcing "Vizhinjam Is Our Birth Right", started at Kowdiar and ended at Vizhinjam. Schools, colleges, NGO's participated
2. 10 day "India Max" campaign covering whole of Trivandrum Costal Area: a container carrier modeled as the largest which can be easily called in Vizhinjam
3. Peoples Convention at Vizhinjam.
4. The Great Boat Chain: longest continuous chain of boats starting from Poovar and ending at Anchuthengu. Aimed at getting into the Guinness book of records there by taking Vizhinjam and its importance across India and World.
5. The banner rally demanding expedition in the Vizhinjam port project.
6. Candle lighting circling the entire secretariat building.
7. Campaign against media houses and companies trying to torpedo the project.
8. 10 day long vehicle campaigning against the unwillingness on behalf of the government to give its due importance, and many other events with the latest being
9. The effort that has gone into arranging meetings between the government officials and the evictees in reaching a consensus as far as compensation is concerned.

We can believe that the efforts put in by organizations, including TDF, is definitely paying off and today, even though we are witnessing the tip of the iceberg, it is definitely a glimmer of hope, since after many years real actions are happening on the ground.

On behalf of TDF, I take this opportunity to congratulate each and everyone in Janapaksham, TDF and other NGOs who stood for this common cause and special note of appreciation for GOK, VISL authorities, revenue department officials, M.L.A George Mercier for all their efforts to make this a reality.

All said, still we have long way to go, but, consistent effort from organizations like Janapaksham, TDF and other likeminded NGOs will definitely help to realize this long cherished dream and it is our responsibility to work towards that goal, because, "Vizhinjam Port Is Our Birth Right".

TDF wishes everyone a Happy Independence Day. [Dated:15/08/2010]

"Freedom is never dear at any price. It is the breath of life. What would a man not pay for living?"
Mahatma Gandhi

International financial business house to fund Rs 2500 Crores for Vizhinjam Port Project. [Dated:11/08/2010]

It is almost confirmed that a financial power house has come forward to fund the first phase involving RS 2500 Crore. This is going to benefit GOK since they can start the construction of the port and supporting infrastructure and then find a port operator.

1. EOI deadline ends on 12th Aug 2010. As of now good response to EOI. The Netherlands govt officials had held 2-3 rounds of talks with the VISL authorities.
2. Will explore the MOU route if any Govt agencies like port of Amsterdam respond to EOI. GOK won't take any chance of going in for an MoU with any private companies.
3. If the MOU fails GOK will go in for a RFQ immediately.
4. The companies participating in the RFQ will be sent for security clearance.
5. Only those companies which qualify the security clearance will be allowed to participate in the RFP.
6. Even though funding will be available; GOK has got reservations about going in for an EPC since any construction work in the sea can be started only after 1 year seasonal environment impact study and hence took the RFP route. They are hopeful they could find a competent operator because of the financial commitment of GOK.
7. The environment and social impact study on land reclamation and break water construction to begin by mid August.
8. The inauguration of the road connectivity, rail connectivity and water supply on August 16th.
9. The environmental impacts of the above components are in the finishing stages.
10. Railway has agreed to take up the entire cost for the new railway lane.

TDF to participate in NRI Conclave titled "Cities of Tomorrow" @ Mascot Hotel on July 29th and 30th 2010. [Dated:29/07/2010]

Technopark Celebrates Its 20th Birthday.[Dated:28/07/2010]

Technopark, the first and single-largest information technology (IT) park in India, is preparing to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its foundation.

With a built-up area of 4.5-million sq.ft, the campus today houses 180 IT and IT-enabled-services companies employing 28,000 professionals.

Over the last two decades, many major IT/ITES companies such as Infosys and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) have set up shop in Technopark and expanded their businesses. Infosys has set up its own campus on 50 acres (1 acre = 0.4 hectare) of land and currently employs 3,000 professionals in Trivandrum.

TCS has acquired another 26 acres of land for a software development centre and The park houses the fast-growing Indian Institute of Information Technology, Kerala, the Asian School of Business and the finishing schools Afras Academy for Business Communications and Faith Infotech. As part of its expansion, Technopark has acquired 92 acres of land for its third phase of expansion and 450 acres of land for setting up an integrated township in the fourth phase, Technocity.is operating its global learning centre, one of the biggest in Asia, from Technopark.

The National Games Secratariate (NGS) approves the concept design of the new multi purpose stadium in Trivandrum. [Dated:27/07/2010]

The National Games Secretariat (NGS) has approved the concept designs of all the four new greenfield stadium projects, to be established in the State in connection with the 35th National Games.

In the State capital, the NGS would be constructing a main stadium in a 37-acre plot at the Kariyavattom campus of the Kerala University, a new multi-level indoor stadium at the campus of the Central Polytechnic, Vattiyoorkavu, besides complete refurbishing of the Central stadium, which presently houses the headquarters of the Kerala State Sports Council.

The concept designs, he said, has already been tendered among the eight builders, who were shortlisted after a due selection process earlier. The last date set for the submission of bids has been set for August 13. The evaluation of the bids would be taken up thereafter and the entire process will be completed by August 20.

The main stadium in Kariyavattom will be used for hosting international cricket matches once the Games are over. Besides playing facilities, the stadium will have facilities to run a full-fledged academy and an exhibition-cum-convention centre. The stadium will have parking facility for over 3000 cars.

Overwhelming response to Vizhinjam port EOI. [Dated:19/07/2010]

If sources are to be believed the EOI floated by VISL for the Vizhinjam multi-purpose port including Transshipment, Cruise terminal and bulk cargo is receiving overwhelming response.

It is learned that 3 countries including Spain, South Korean and Netherlands and 22 firms have already submitted the EOI. The number should likely to reach 50 when the deadline falls on 12/08/2010.

Bollard Pulling Test Centre to be inaugurated in August 2010. [16/07/2010]

Vizhinjam bollard test unit to measure pull of a ship is nearing completion. Expected to be completed this month end and to inaugurate on the first week of August. CSL to conduct first test for a Norwegian ship which is under construction. This is the first bollard testing unit in India which is located outside any ship building unit. It is believed that this unit is a part of the proposed ship building unit which is to be build at Poovar.

VISL calls EOI for Vizhinjam Port Project. [Dated:05/07/2010]

TDF's open letter to media (Technocity & HCL land allotment news coverage). [Dated:04/06/2010]

Land allotted to HCL Infosystems to set up R&D center in Technopark, Trivandrum. [Dated:04/06/2010]

The Chief Minister had handed over a consent letter to HCL Infosystems general manager Udayakumar for setting up a campus of HCL in the Technopark phase-III.

India's 4th largest IT Company, the Rs 12,000 Crore HCL Technologies is the most significant entry of a company into Kerala since the arrival of Infosys, TCS and Wipro.

HCL Infosystems to set up R&D center in Technopark, Trivandrum. [Dated:29/05/2010]

HCL Infosystems will set up its R &p; D unit at the Technopark campus in Trivandrum on a two acre plot allotted to them in Technopark Phase III.

HCL Infosystems Ltd is a subsidiary of HCL and is a listed company. It is present in 170 locations and has about 300 service centres through India.

HCL Infosystems entry reinforces the fact that Trivandrum is the only IT hub in Kerala. Technopark, Trivandrum already hosts Infosys, TCS, Tata Elxi, Allianz Cornhill, Ernst & Young, Allianz Cornhill, Mckinsey & Co,Nest Technologies, UST Global and so on. In total Technopark hosts 200 companies and employees 30,000 +.

GOK to kick start basic infrastructure development in Techocity. [Dated:29/05/2010]

GOK on June 4th 2010 will kick start the development of basic infrastructure in Technocity. Technocity, Technocity, Kerala's biggest IT project, Proposed as an integrated township, Technocity will come up on 451 acre along the NH 47 to Kollam at Pallippuram, 5 kms north of the Technopark campus here. The focus areas at Technocity would be biotechnology, nanotechnology, high-end manufacturing and R & D. The project would provide one lakh IT/ ITES jobs directly.

Bollard Pull Testing Facility at Vizhinjam. [Dated:03/05/2010]

Foundation stone laid by Minister of Ports M.Vijayakumar for the Rs 200 crore Bollard Pull Testing Facility at Vizhinjam. The new unit will be the first in the country to test vessels upto a maximum safe working load of 500 tonnes. The first series of vessels that will be subjected to the bollard pull test are anchor handling tug supply vessels constructed by the Cochin Shipyard for a client based in Norway.

Bollard pull trials are conducted for determining the maximum load that a ship can pull. The ship is tied to a fixed bollard on the shore. The pull of the vessel under maximum operating condition is measured by means of a load cell. All newly constructed tugs and special offshore vessels are required to clear the test in the presence of ship owners and classification agencies before delivery.

CSL new unit likely at Vizhinjam. [Dated:03/05/2010]

Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has submitted the expression of interest to the State government to establish a new unit for ship building and ship repairing at Vizhinjam. The 20 m depth available close to the shore and the proximity to the international shipping route favored Vizhinjam as the most suitable location. The CSL has expressed its willingness to invest Rs 200 Crore for setting up the new project.

TDF salutes the great leader!!! [Dated:26/04/2010]

The death of our beloved former MP Mr.Varkala Radhakrishnan, a great parliamentarian and a human being, is a great loss to the people of Trivandrum. He always lead from the front and took up the issues like high court bench, Vizhinjam project, IIT for Trivandrum with the concerned authorities many a times.

It is hard to forgot the one army protest he carried out in front of the parliament when the security clearance was rejected for Vizhinjam port by the central govt and public outburst against Sebastian Paul's decision not to support the LDF motion calling for an high court bench in Trivandrum.

TDF had the privilege to work with him.

TDF, on behalf of the people of Trivandrum express our deepest condolences over the death of this great leader.

Salutes the great leader!!!!!

TDF and People of Trivandrum Supports Dr.Shashi Taroor. [Dated:19/04/2010]

Irrespective of the current situation TDF along with people of Trivandrum convey our wholehearted support. We are sure that your continuing efforts will bring prosperity to Trivandrum.

TDF thanks Dr.Shashi Taroor for his efforts in bringing the Barcelona Delegation. [Dated:17/04/2010]

TDF appreciates Dr. Shashi Taroor's efforts in appointing a commission for setting up the High Court Bench in Trivandrum. Also glad to see your initiatives in drawing the Barcelona delegation towards the Vizhinjam Port project.

Vizhinjam project: MoU with Barcelona port likely. [Dated:17/04/2010]

The Government of Kerala on Friday signalled its willingness to tie up with the provincial government of Catalonia in Spain for the development of an international deepwater container transhipment terminal and port at Vizhinjam near here.
Minister for Ports M. Vijayakumar, who held discussions with Jesus del Rio Mateu, Director General, International Trade, Port of Barcelona Authority here on Friday, said the State government was open to the idea of entering into a tie-up for the development of the port. "We have agreed in principle that a Government-to-Government MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) would be the best option for the project."
Mr. Vijayakumar said he would follow up today's discussions with a meeting to be held in New Delhi with the Spanish Ambassador to India. "Barcelona is one of the leading ports in the world today with considerable experience in handling cargo and other facilities. They have expressed willingness to cooperate with us in infrastructure development and operations.
"The nature of the tie-up will have to be worked out after detailed discussions."

Meeting with Barcelona Delegate. [Dated:16/04/2010]

Mr.Jesus Del Rio, Director International trade relations is here in Trivandrum to discuss about the Vizhinjam port project. He came to Trivandrum following the meeting between Dr.Shashi Taroor and Mr. Jordi Valls Riera, President Port of Barcelona Authority. Janapaksham was an invitee in the meeting attended by the VISL authorities and Mr Del Rio. Representing Jananpaksham Dr Manoj, Mr.Dominic and Mr Sreeram Iyer, who is also involved with TDF attended the meeting. The meeting was followed by visit to the vizhinjam port site. He advised the VISL authorities to take up the first phase which includes setting up the basic infrastructure facilities like road, rail, water supply, electric supply, land reclamation and construction of break water and then scout for an port operator. He warned VISL authorities to scout for port operators who can contribute to the hinterland activities as well as transshipment activities. He is of the opinion that all port operators may not be interested in hinterland activities which will in turn reduce the scope of Vizhinjam project due to other factors linked to the logistics industry. He will meet Mr.M.Vijayakumar today. Mr.Sreeram informed that Mr Del Rio, said the closeness to the international shipping route is the biggest advantage and when Vizhinjam port is ready and if good rail and road connectivity can be can be provided he is afraid whether any ship will be called in the Mumbai Port.
VISL has approached the centre for Viability Gap Funding. This time VISL should succeed since it is decided in principle to develop the first phase which involves Rs 1500 crore, by GOK itself. VGP will be around Rs 240 Crore (20% of the total project cost). Rs 1.8 Crore fee paid to the southern railway along with the proposal. Now the submitted rail alignments will be evaluated by the railways. Only after the approval by the railway VISL can initiate the land acquisition proceedings.

Environment Ministry gives nod for phase III work at Technopark [Dated:13/04/2010]

The Union Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) has issued environmental clearance for the phase-III expansion project of Technopark here.
The expert appraisal committee of the MoEF at its 86th meeting held at Van Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi, recommended granting of environmental clearance to this prestigious project, a spokesman for Technopark said here.

TDF members meets VISL CEO Mr.Sanjay Kaushik [Dated:19/03/2010]

1. The market study report by m/s Drewry Consultants was tabled before the GOK.
2. Report is favorable and seeks for a multi purpose port.
3. M/s Drewry has expressed their concern over the time line about inviting the bid (GOK wants the bid to be called by July-August) . They feel that still the recession has its impact on the shipping industry and it would be better if the date is further pushed to the end of the year.
4. There is an option to go for an EPC (Engineering Procurment Construction) bid. First, the bid will be called for setting up the basic infrastructure like road, breakwater, land reclamation and other supporting infrastructure and then to find an operator.
5. The market study was conducted after getting the feedback from world's leading 5 port operators.
6. They have rated the closeness to the international shipping route as the biggest advantage.
7. The operators are reluctant to come forward for a green field project, which involves a huge investment. If GOK can provide the basic infrastructure then it is easy to find the port operators.
8. The cost to set up this will be around Rs 1600-1800 crores. Already Rs 450 Cr has been allotted and Mr.Thomas Isaac might release another Rs 125-200 Cr. Trying hard to get the balance investment from financial institutions.
9. The investors meet will be conducted during end of May.
10. The LA notification and survey to acquire land has started.

TDF submits detail proposal to GOK on improving the JNNURM buses and forming a Trivandrum Transit Authority. [Dated:14/03/2010]

India's hottest IT destinations : Trivandrum ranked @ No 4. [Dated:05/03/2010]

State Budget 2010-2011. [Dated:05/03/2010]

Union Budget 2010-2011. [Dated:26/02/2010]

Disappointing budget for Trivandrum.

1. VSSC 583 Crores.
2. IIST 140 Crores

Railway Budget 2010-2011. [Dated:24/02/2010]

1. Bottling plant to be set up in Trivandrum to supply fresh drinking water.
2. Survey for new Trivandrum-Punaloor and Trivandrum-Chenganoor railway line.
3. New Janashatabdi Express between Trivandrum-Kozhikode.
4. New train in Bhopal-Madurai-Trivandrum-Kochi route.
5. New train from Mangalore to Kochuveli
6. Rs 92 lakhs for 2nd Kochuveli Coach Terminal

In simple words.....Nothing to cheer about. None of the demands were considered or met. A disappointing budget for Trivandrum.

Poovar shipyard to find place in union buget 2010-2011. [Dated:17/02/2010]

If sources are to be believed Poovar Shipyard will find place in the Union budget 2010-11. Union Minister of State External Affairs Mr.Shashi Taroor in his discussion with Shipping Ministry and concerned authorities have pressed for its inclusion. The previous union government has decided to build an International size shipyard for the West Coast of India. GOK has submitted a proposal proposing Poovar in Trivandrum District on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border as the possible location for setting up of international size shipyard on the West Coast of India.

The upcoming Vizhinjam International Container transshipment project within 10 KM from the proposed site and the easy accessibility to the National Highway and Railway line will enhance the scope of setting up s shipyard in Poovar.

If everything goes well as planned then we will have an International port and a shipyard in four years time which will definitely change the development topography of Trivandrum.

TDF Submits memorandum on railway budget and union buget 2010-2011.
[Dated:12/02/2010]

Land acquisition completed for Technocity project. [Dated:10/02/2010]

The Department of IT has completed the formalities pertaining to acquisition of land admeasuring to 245.89 acres for the development of the Technocity project. The Technocity project is planned to be a complete IT city spread across 451 acres, which includes not just space for IT/ITeS firms but also residential, commercial, hospitality, medical and educational facilities. The project is planned as a self-dependent satellite city that would not strain the resources and infrastructure of the Trivandrum city.

Land acquisition completed for Technocity project. [Dated:10/02/2010]

The Department of IT has completed the formalities pertaining to acquisition of land admeasuring to 245.89 acres for the development of the Technocity project. The Technocity project is planned to be a complete IT city spread across 451 acres, which includes not just space for IT/ITeS firms but also residential, commercial, hospitality, medical and educational facilities. The project is planned as a self-dependent satellite city that would not strain the resources and infrastructure of the Trivandrum city.

The State Government has already sanctioned the widening of the road and strengthening of the approach road to Technocity. The Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KSERC) has issued required licence for power connectivity. The project report has been submitted for raising loan and it is hoped that the same would be processed at the earliest. With its phase I full, Technopark is currently developing its Phase III campus in 90 acres with both SEZ and non-SEZ space. It is putting up a building with a built-up space of about one million square feet at a cost of about Rs 230 crore. The contract has been awarded to Larsen & Toubro for completion in about 20 months. The building will be ready for occupation by mid 2011. Technopark has started with the process of allotment of land in Phase III for IT/ITeS companies and IT infrastructure developers.

The team comprises the well-known architect who had designed the Olympic city in Barcelona, Joe Antonio Acedillo. The team will meet Corporation Mayor C. Jayan Babu in the morning and have discussions with the experts of the Indian Institute of Architects in the evening. They will also be meet TRIDA officials.

Barcelona team arrives for second round of talks on City-Twinning.[Dated:10/02/2010]

As part of executing the twin-city program between Barcelona and Trivandrum Corporation, a high-level delegation from the Spanish city led by Josep Roca, Director, Barcelona City Council International Relations, will camp in the city for two days during which its members will have discussions with the Corporation authorities and visit the major centers of attraction in the city.

The team comprises the well-known architect who had designed the Olympic city in Barcelona, Joe Antonio Acedillo. The team will meet Corporation Mayor C. Jayan Babu in the morning and have discussions with the experts of the Indian Institute of Architects in the evening. They will also be meet TRIDA officials.

Foundation Stone Laid for Rs 55 Crore central bus terminal. [Dated:09/02/2010]

Honorable Cheif Minister Mr. V.S.Achuthanandhan laid the foundation stone for the construction of Rs 55 Crore central bus terminal. The central bus station will be constructed by M/S Harrison Malaylam Engieers on international standards.

GOK for SPV to run the Low-Floor buses procured under JNNURM.[Dated:27/01/2010]

GOK will form an SPV to run the low-floor buses procured under the JNNURM project. All the buses will be transfered to the new compan0y. 51% of share will be held by GOK and balance 49% by K.S.R.T.C. GOK has proposed that they are ready to give 1% to the LSG and civic bodies.

TDF submits proposal to GOK to improve JNNURM Volvo bus services.
[Dated:22/01/2010]

Vizhinjam Port : Land acquisition process officially launched. [Dated:20/01/2010]

The land acquisition process for the Vizhnjam International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) was officially launched on Tuesday. The Vizhinjam International Seaport Ltd (VISL) has submitted the first official application for requisition of land for the port project to Revenue authorities.

Next week, VISL hopes to submit the application for acquiring 40 more hectares for setting up a truck terminal and warehousing facilities. The remaining 35 hectares - the State Government had announced acquisition of 120 hectares - for rail connectivity will be taken only after the Union Rail Ministry approves the alignment submitted by the State Government.

Trivandrum to host Maritime States Development Council meet. [Dated:20/01/2010]

Trivandrum will host Kerala's first Maritime States Development Council (MSDC) meet in the last week of February. The council handles a host of issues at its meetings including national maritime security, port development prospects and related issues.

There, in fact, will be a special conclave on the multi-crore, flagship Vizhinjam ICTT project at this edition of the meeting, officials said.

Children's Science Congress inaugurated. [Dated:04/01/2010]

Former President of India Dr. A.P.J.Abdul Kalam has said that students should try to get inspiration from the life and works of grate scientists . He was inaugurating the children's science congress organised as part of 97th Inidan Science Congress in Trivandrum today. Each students should ask the question what I will be remembered for. The answer to this question can be found by studying the works and the life of great scientists.

97th Indian Science Congress begins on upbeat note. [Dated:03/01/2010]

The 97th edition of the premier Indian Science Congress (ISC 2010) began in Trivandrum on Sunday on an upbeat note with chief guest Prime Minister Manmohan Singh being accorded a traditional welcome with musical tones and invocational songs.

About 6,000 delegates, seated in the huge makeshift tented hall (pandal), gave a standing ovation to the prime minister and other VIPs amid claps and cheers. Nair, a former member of the state-run Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) delivered the welcome address after invocation and lighting of the lamp. Prime minister Manmohan Singh inaugurated the congress and address eminent scientists, Nobel laureates, policy makers and students on the technology challenges and the direction in which the country should move to find innovative solutions to achieve equitable growth and development.

Technocity gets Cabinet nod. [Dated:02/01/2010]

Technocity, the fourth phase of the Technopark, has got the approval from the State Government. It is planned as an integrated township that will create 50,000 direct employment opportunities and 2,00,000 indirect employment opportunities.

The Technocity project gained momentum after the Cabinet meeting on December 29 approved the price for the 245.89 acres of land from Pallipuram, Melthonnakkal, Andoorkonam and Veiloor villages, which comprise the proposed project area. The recommendations were given by the State-Level Empowered Committee (SLEC), headed by Chief Secretary Neela Gangadharan.

AI to build cargo hub in Trivandrum. [Dated:01/01/2010]

Air India (AI) will build a cargo hub in Trivandrum, Kerala as part of increasing its freight movements from the country. said K.M. Unni, Air India (AI) Board member and head of the airline's engineering department.

Mr. Unni said the cargo hub would go a long way in enhancing the carrier's freight movement from the State.

TDF, wishes you all and your family a Happy and Prosperous 2010. [Dated:01/01/2010]

TDF, wishes you all and your family a Happy and Prosperous 2010.

The 120-hectares of land will house basic infrastructure for the seaport such as road and rail connectivity and water and power supply.

Vizhinjam Port: Rehabilitation package gets acceptance. [Dated:30/12/2009]

The Kerala state Cabinet gave its approval on Tuesday for the rehabilitation package for evictees related to the construction of Vizhinjam International Container Transshipment Terminal.

The rehabilitation package prepared by the Vizhinjam International Seaport Ltd has four major components:

• The land take-over will be a negotiated purchase
• The affected families, as far as possible, will be rehabilitated nearby.
• The package also provides a component for rebuilding structures that existed on the acquired land.
• The rehabilitation package also has a component for rebuilding establishments of livelihood on the new land.

The 120-hectares of land will house basic infrastructure for the seaport such as road and rail connectivity and water and power supply.

Trivandrum gets world's first training centre for MRCP. [Dated:26/12/2009]

The Kerala state capital is becoming the first centre outside of the UK where training will be provided for the prestigious Membership of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK (MRCP).

Worldwide, there are different centers where doctors can appear for MRCP examinations, but Trivandrum is becoming the first place outside UK where aspirants can not only write part 1 and 2 of the examinations and do the practicals, but also get trained for the examination.

Wishing you all and your family a Merry Christmas. [Dated:25/12/2009]

TDF, wishes everyone and their family a Merry Christmas.

TDF participated in India IT Summit 2009 organized by CII[Dated:12/12/2009]

IFFK to be held in Trivandrum from Dec 11-18 2009.[Dated:02/12/2009]

Kerala State Chalachitra Academy's 14th Trivandrum International Film Festival (IFFK 2009) will be held from Dec.11 - 18. The main attraction of the week-long festival will be the competition category of Asian, African and Latin American films. Two hundred films from 60 countries will be screened in the categories of World Cinema, Retrospectives of Mrinal Sen, Homages, Films about Che Guevara, Indian Cinema Today and New Malayalam Cinema.

The films are to be screened in eight theatres. The inaugural function and closing ceremony will take place at Kanakakunnu Nishagandhi Auditorium.

The awards include The Golden Crow Pheasant Award (Suvarna Chakoram) and a cash prize of Rs. 1,000,000 to the best feature film to be shared equally by the director and the producer, The Silver Crow Pheasant Award (Rajata Chakoram) and a cash prize of Rs. 300,000 to the best director, Best Debut Film Award (Rajata Chakoram) and a cash prize of Rs. 200,000 to the best debut director, Audience Prize (Rajata Chakoram) and a cash prize of Rs. 100,000 to the director of the most popular film voted by the festival delegates, FIPRESCI Award for the best film chosen by the Fédération Internationale de la Presse Cinématographique, FIPRESCI Award for the best Malayalam cinema, Netpac Award to the best film in the competition section from Asia and Netpac Award for the best Malayalam film.

Times Group Presents:Strategies To Beat Slowdown In Tourism.[28/10/2009]

GOI to upgrade Trivandrum Mental Health Centre as Centre of Excellence.[Dated:27/10/2009]

GOI to upgrade Trivandrum Mental Health as Centre of Excellence. A sum of Rs.30 crore will be sanctioned to the institute to upgrade facilities. GOI has sanctioned the first instalment of Rs 5.38 crores.

The Department of Psychiatry at Trivandrum Medical College, had actually emerged second in the all-India rating to be the best choice for the CoE status.

TDF congragulates Dr Shashi Taroor for all his effort in getting the due recognition for Trivandrum Mental Health Centre.

International Finance Corporation (IFC) to be appointed as consultant for VICTT.[Dated:15/10/2009]

The State Government has zeroed in on the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a World Bank Group firm, to replace IL&FS as the consultant for the multi-crore Vizhinjam International Container Transshipment Terminal project.

The government has okayed IFC and a formal agreement is expected to be inked soon, sources said.

IFC, based in Washington, has a presence across the globe. Its 182 member countries collectively decide policy and investment possibilities. It has an office in New Delhi, and is empanelled with the Ministry of Finance, sources in the Ports Department said.

Kerala State Cabinet Approves Phase I of Vizhinjam port project costing Rs 450 Crores.[Dated:14/10/2009]

GOK has given cabinet approval for developing the basic infrastructure including road and rail connectivity for vizhinjam port project. The development planned as part of phase I will cost Rs 450 Crores. VISL will execute the infrastructure development.The entire process is expected to be completed in 12-18 months. The GOK parallely will initiate the steps to find out a partner for constructing the port facilities. GOK will approach the NHAI and central railway ministry for developing the national high way and rail connectivity. The NHAI has agreed to take up the 3 Km connectivity project.

Meanwhile, the interest shown by Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore in the Vizhijam project has evoked a great interest among the officials as well as the general public. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) regulates and licenses port and marine services and facilities. It also manages vessel traffic in the Singapore port while ensuring safety and security. The officials from MPA held discussions with VISL officials and GOK.

CII-Southern Region Skill Conference 2009 on 24 October 2009 in Hotel Taj Residency, Trivandrum.[Dated:07/10/2009]

Confederation of Indian Industry - SR is organizing the Skill Conference 2009, focusing on the theme -"Harnessing Skills : Driving the Economy" on 24 October 2009 in Hotel Taj Residency, Trivandrum.

Through this conference, CII hope to

• Engage the stakeholders in dialogues of retrospection
• Create a strategic planning process for investment in knowledge & skills development, training & development modules
• Share experiences in skill building; discuss critical elements in vocational education & development
• Explore emerging trades for employability both in the national & International market
• Explore opportunities in Skill education, its relationship with the academic studies
• Showcase few of the successful examples of Public-Private-Participation

Kovalam Literary Fest Begins[Dated:07/10/2009]

Barcelona Meets Trivandrum [Dated:02/10/2009]

The Barcelona team arrived at Trivandrum for preliminary talks on a twin city tie-up with the State capital. The two member Barcelona team is represented by Mr.Josep Roca, Director of International Relations, Barcelona, and Gerardo Fueyo- Bros, councilor, Spanish embassy in India.

TDF has been closely working with Union Minister of External Affairs, State Dr.Shashi Taroor and his team towards the Twinning of cities project.

Representing TDF Mr.Ram Kumar (President), Mr.Sreeram Iyer (Secretary), Mr.Ajay Prasad (BD), Mr.Chandra Kishore (F & O) met the Barcelona team. TDF made an elaborate presentation on Trivandrum, accompanying for Technopark visit, attending the meeting with the Mayor of Trivandrum Mr.Jayan Babu @ Mascot Hotel and participating in the meeting hosted by Trivandrum Chamber of Commerce @ Taj Residency.

• Culture & Heritage
• City Development Plan
• Infrastructure
• Knowledge Parks & centers
• Urban Planning & Development
• Sports infrastructure and management
• Tourism /Medical Tourism

CII-organising FinExe 2009 @ Hotel Berggruen Keys, Trivandrum[Dated:30/09/2009]

Confederation of Indian Industry - Southern Region has launched FinExe 2009 An MSME Finance Excellence Initiative with an objective to provide value added service to MSMEs on finance related topics.
The purpose of the initiative is to enable and promote an exchange of information and address issues of financing MSMEs among banking and finance professionals and institutions and to further improve the development and growth of the sector.
The objective is

• to showcase current approaches and strategies on the various issues that confront MSME financing
• to deepen the knowledge and understanding of organization's financial management
• to enhance the participants' capabilities in providing better consultancy and mentoring services on above
aspects

Confederation of Indian Industry, Kerala is organising FinExe at 1030 Hrs to 1300 Hrs on 1st October 2009 at Hotel Keys, Trivandrum.

CII organizing Conference on IT in Kerala - Challenges & Opportunities @ Taj Residency[Dated:10/09/2009]

CII is organizing a Conference on IT in Kerala - Challenges and Opportunities. It will be in the form of a keynote panel discussion that will be held at 1000 hrs on 10th September 2009 at Hotel Taj Residency, Trivandrum. The theme for discussion will be "IT in Kerala - "Challenges and Opportunities".
The keynote speakers at this session include Ms Neela Gangadharan IAS, Chief Secretary, Government of Kerala, Dr Ajaykumar IAS, Secretary - Information Technology, Government of Kerala, Mr S D Shibulal, Chief Operating Officer, Infosys Technologies Limited, Mr G Vijayaraghavan, President, Venture Management Associates. The panel discussion will be moderated by Mr V K Mathews, Convenor- IT Panel, CII Kerala & Chairman and CEO, IBS Software Services.

Trivandrum to host Invest Kerala Meet from August 28-29 2009 @ Taj Residency.[Dated:27/08/2009]

Fifteen projects in Kerala worth about Rs.100 crore across sectors including tourism, education and services would be showcased before investors from India and abroad at a two-day meet that begins here Friday.
The event, Invest Kerala Meet 2009, is being organised by NRI Welfare Foundation, a non-governmental organisation that works on issues related to non-resident Indians (NRIs).
Addressing reporters here Thursday, Sakkir Hussain of the foundation said that close to 100 investors, mostly from various Middle-East countries, will participate at the meet.
?An expert committee screened the viability of close to 100 project proposals and 15 were cleared. Promoters of the cleared projects are looking for partners who will invest on a 50:50 basis. The two-day meet will also discuss issues facing investors in the state,? said Hussain.
The projects cleared include a resort on the outskirts of the capital and an international school.
Tourism Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, Industries Minister Elamaram Kareem and Leader of Opposition Oommen Chandy will also interact with the investors.

Inauguration of Indian Institute od Space Science and Technology (IIST) by Prime Minister Dr.Manmohan Singh.[Dated:25/08/2009]]

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will open the new campus of the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology at Valiamala, Trivandrum. The Prime Minister will not be present for the inauguration, but will unveil a plaque remotely from Delhi

The campus will have laboratories, classrooms and residential facilities. An observatory for the Institute at Ponmudi is also getting ready for the inauguration.

Wishing you all a happy independence day.[Dated:15/08/2009]

TDF Salutes Mother India.....

Barcelona and Trivandrum to be the twin cities.[Dated:28/07/2009]

Barcelona and Trivandrum to be twin cities according to Union Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor. The twinning between the cities will be on cultural and development spheres.

Dr. Tharoor said that Barcelona, a city of 5 million people, is a major cultural centre in Spain. It also had development experiences that could be modelled in Trivandrum to solve some of its key problems such as drinking water supply (Aguas de Barcelona is the largest water company in Spain).

The Barcelona Mayor would be sending a delegation each from his cultural council and international relations council to Kerala to interact with the Trivandrum Corporation authorities to examine in which all ways the two cities could cooperate. There was also a proposal to organise a ?Barcelona Week? in Trivandrum.

Rs 100 Crore research park to come up at College of Engineering Trivandrum.[Dated:28/07/2009]

An engineering, science and technology research park will be set up at the College of Engineering Trivandrum., which is celeberating its 70th year founding anniversary this year. The Rs.100 Crore park named Trivandrum Engineering Science And Technology (TREST) research park will be modelled on the proposed research park at the IIT Chennai and at Technopark, Trivandrum.

Union Budget for 2009-10 Trivandrum to get Rs 1100.00 Crores.[Dated:29/06/2009]

The Union Budget for 2009-10 has allocated around Rs 1100.00 Crores for various projects in Trivandrum. Rs 650 Crores allotted to VSSC, Rs 175 Crores to Indian Institute of Science & Technology, Rs 250 Crores to 5 IISERs including Trivandrum, Rs 1400 Crores to upgrade 10 Medical Colleges including Trivandrum to AIIMS standards.

Indian Airlines starts operation base @ Trivandrum International Airport (TIA) .[Dated:29/06/2009]

Aircrafts will be stationed and serviced here. The base will have a staff strength of 14.

Vizhinjam project bid expired: Lanco.[Dated:28/06/2009]

Hyderabad-based Lanco Infratech Limited said on Saturday that it had withdrawn from its offer to execute Vizhinjam International Transhipment Container Terminal Project as the validity of its proposal had expired.

In a press release issued here, the company said that as per the Request for Proposals (RFP), the validity of the bid was for eight months from the bid date. The bidder was not obligated to extend the bid validity beyond that period. However, Lanco had extended the bid twice by almost six months.

?Subsequently, the protracted litigations and an atmosphere vitiated by baseless speculationshave altered our due diligence perspectives on the project.
Following this, in spite of our investing tremendous time and resources over two years on the project, Lanco has informed the Government of Kerala that since the validity of the proposal in response to the RFP expired on April 30, 2009, its offer stands revoked.?

Lanco consortium backs out of Vizhinjam port project.[Dated:24/06/2009]

The deepwater container transhipment project proposed to be set up at Vizhinjam, near here, has fallen under the shadow of uncertainty.

The consortium led by Hyderabad-based Lanco Kondapalli Power Limited on Wednesday wrote to the State government saying that it was revoking its offer of taking up the Rs.5,300-crore project.

Lanco cited uncertainty over when it could start work on the project as the reason for backing out.

Zoom out of the race from Vizhinjam port project bid.[Dated:18/06/2009]

The Tender Evaluation Committee set up by the State Government has rejected the technical bid submitted by Zoom Developers for development of the proposed International Container Transhipment Terminal.

It is learnt that the IL&FS has recommended to give 60 points based on the evaluation. Based on this report the latest technical evaluation conducted by the committee headed by the Chief Secretary, the Zoom consortium could score only 61 points while a minimum of 70 points were required to qualify for the second stage of the tender process.