Land acquisition for Rs 2,300 cr ICTT project begins

KOCHI: After months of uncertainty, land acquisition for the estimated Rs 2,300 crore International Container Transhipment Terminal (ICTT) project at Vallarpadam began today.

Under the project, rail connectivity would be built between Edapally to Vallarpadam covering a stretch of 9 kms and costing Rs 246 crore, including Rs 50 crore compensation. The Road connectivity would be from Kalamassery to Vallarpadam.

The project had been hit by delays following protests from residents of the area whose lands were to be acquired.

Following negotiation, about 90 per cent of the land owners had agreed to the compensation and rehabilitation package of the government, Ernakulam district collector, Mohammed Hannish said at a press meet here.

One more opportunity would be given to those who have not yet accepted the government package, he said.

The first three compensation cheques were handed over by Cochin Port Chairman, N Ramachandran.

Land has been identified at Cheranalloor and Kakkanad for the rehabilitation of the people whose properties were being acquired by the government. The port has sanctioned Rs 2.50 crore for developing the land.

The collector said about 4.36 hectares of land in four villages are being acquired from Edapally to Vallarpadam for laying the railway lines.

For the road connectivity about 110 acres in 7 villages have been identified and majority of the people have agreed to accept the compensation package