Sethu samudram Project - R R Padmanabhan, Director - Exim Academy

 Sethusamudram Project 

If there is one of the few projects that can transform the economic landscape of Tamilnadu, the first and foremost place should go to Sethusamudram project. Started with much fanfare amidst lot of expectations, the project had smooth start but ended up in legal tangles and is currently before the apex court.  The political dispensation both now and back in 2007 is the same.  That is why, there has been talk about revival of this project. While we leave the matter at this stage, let us explore what would be the advantages had this been project been executed!

The narrow water passage that connects India and Srilanka is Palk straits popularly known as Gulf of Mannar.  This passage is too narrow lacking draft and thus unfit for mother vessel to traverse.  That is why, Indian containers go to Colombo and from there a detour is on to reach the European, US, Africa and South American countries. Hence this sea lane is an important trade lane and has immense strategic value!  Now what are the advantages of this project to India and more particularly to the state of Tamilnadu?

01.  By avoiding the Colombo port, there is substantial savings in freight cost because distance is less from 755 nautical miles to 402, nearly half the distance.

02.  Naturally, the time taken for the detour of Srilanka is reduced.

03.  The coastal movement of cargo between ports like Mumbai and chennai could be enhanced reducing rail and road movement and of course the carbon foot print!

04.  Needless to say, Tuticorin port would be developed much like Colombo port to be able to handle more volume of cargo.

05.  Colachel, a natural deep sea water port would have been developed as an additional major port to handle substantial cargo from other countries.

 But the question, will the project see light of the day?

Image courtesy: learningcascade.blogspot.com



R R Padmanabhan
Director - Exim Academy

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Salem - My District My Pride - R R Padmanabhan, Director - Exim Academy

Image
 Salem - My District My Pride I dare to say that entrepreneurial ecosystem begins from this district and goes through Erode, Tiruppur and Coimbatore.   There is so much of activity that goes on here. Salem is known as Steel City, but I would like to call it as Mango city.   The mango grown here is called as Malgova (I don’t know whether I spelt it right), the fruit is juicy and pulpy.   I checked up the Geographical Registry (GI), the fruit is yet to be registered.   It is time it is done to enhance its prestige in the world market.   Another distinct feature is Sago, native to Salem.   Recent times, Sago Serve, a State Government initiative in getting the farmers organized is doing well.    But much more needs to be in terms of marketing and branding.   The district is known for Granites, Fabrics, Readymade Garments, Egg and Coir and coir products.   In the state government’s One District One Product scheme, silver jewelry is t...
Read more

Cuddalore - My District, My Pride - R R Padmanabhan, Director - Exim Academy

Image
 Cuddalore - My District, My Pride The export potentiality profile of this district is quite amazing.   The district looks quite and simple despite the presence of major industries like Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC), SanMar Chemicals and ONGC and number of sugar mills.   Beneath its calm surface, however, lie the vibrancy both in terms of religion, natural beauty, artistic dexterity and economy.   Perhaps, it is dwarfed by the presence of Pondicherry as its northern neighbor.   But instead of being overwhelmed by it like Villupuram, Cuddalore should strive to use international talent to its advantage.   Below is the list of export potential products and its location in the district Cashew Panruti Imitation Jewelry Chidambaram Organic chemicals Cuddalore Marine products Entire coastal area Ceramics Vadalur Coir Salaikarai ...
Read more

Drone Logistics - R R Padmanabhan, Director - Exim Academy

Image
Drone Logistics  It will come, it is question of time, it is coming and now it has come.   This is the saga of Drones!   Few years ago, whenever I saw drones in wedding receptions for photography, never did I imagine that one day drone would play such an important role in saving someone’s life! We saw its efficacy when drones were used to capture images of people struck in an ashram.   Now and then, we hear its role in defense.   Now it is official.   The Drone Liberalization policy is out that seeks to increase the pay load of drones from the current 300 to 500 kg.   Entry of drone in logistics will be a major disruptor never seen before.   Imagine, you order medicines and in a little while, a SMS comes to your mobile to come out of the house to pick up the medicines from the Delivery (Drone) boy after proving your credentials!   What are the advantages?   0  1.     Cut costs 0  2.     Red...
Read more