(TNIE)
The Indian Oil Corporation’s (IOC) Multi-user Liquid Terminal (MULT), which forms part of the `715-crore LPG Import Terminal Project being implemented by the public sector oil giant at Puthuvype, is nearing completion. The LPG Import Terminal Project has two parts – MULT (jetty) and the storage terminal at Puthuvype. The construction of the storage terminal at Puthuvype has been in limbo since February 2017 due to protests from certain environmental groups.
The total cost of the jetty, which is coming up about 3 km further to the storage terminal site, is `225 crore, including `183 crore for the construction of the jetty and `42 crore towards dredging. The IOC has entrusted the construction of jetty with the Cochin Port Trust. The construction work of the MULT commenced in February 2016, with a completion target of 24 months. As per IOC’s plan, the construction of the jetty and the storage terminal is to be synchronised so that one facility will not become idle for want of the other. Though the jetty is a part of the LPG import terminal, the protestors have not obstructed its work.
