Kerala to develop new ports

Mumbai: The Keralan government has taken the first step in the development of five new seaports, reports the Hindu Business Line. Although the South Indian state already boasts a container port at Vizhinjam, local authorities have hired a consultant to begin assembling a port development project for five new locations and are reported to be in negotiations with private companies for BOT (build-operate-transfer) contracts. The new sites include Thangassery port in Kollam, Beypore port in Kozhikode and a marina-cum-cargo port in Alappuzha.  [22/10/07]