Kozhikode: The Kerala Government has invited bids for development of Ponnani port in Malappuram district through public-private partnership (PPP) route.

The port is proposed to be developed into an all-weather cargo port in three phases at a total outlay of around Rs 2,000 crore and the first phase, scheduled to be completed in three years after the commencement of work, is estimated to cost Rs 783 crore.

The master plan for the port has been prepared by Chennai-based Malabar Ports Private Ltd and as per the Government order, the private investor will be selected through ‘Swiss Challenge Method' with the final criterion being the highest percentage of revenue accruing to the Government.

According to the plan, the port will have both rail and road connectivity for the movement of cargo to hinterland destinations. The rail connectivity over a length of 13 kilometres will require acquisition of about 100 acres of land and will cost Rs 100 crore.

Source: The HIndu Business Line