The multi-crore Vizhinjam International Seaport Project had failed to attract any bidders until February 20, 2015, the deadline for prospective private partners to place their price bids. However, none of the three firms and consortiums which had purchased the bid documents put in an appearance at the office of the Vizhinjam International Seaport Ltd.
The UDF government in Kerala has now extended the deadline to March 25 for placing the bids. The government will also call a meeting of the bidders shortly.The state government had shortlisted five firms and consortiums, but only three, namely Essar Ports; a consortium of Srei Infrastructure and OHL; and Adani Ports, had purchased the RfP documents. The other two, Gammon Infrastructure Projects Ltd and a consortium of Hyundai and Concast Infratech, did not purchase the documents.
Recently, the Centre agreed to provide Viability Gap Funding to the extent of Rs.800 crore, the first in the country for a port project.
On December 4, 2013, the government floated tenders for selecting a private partner, making it the fourth instance for this particular project since 2007.