First oceanarium project in India to come up in city
Monday, July 18, 2011
Kochi: A first of its kind Oceanarium project in India, estimated to cost Rs 350 crore, is being launched on a Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode at nearby Puthuvypeen.
The project, an initiative of the state Fisheries Resource Management Society (FIRMA), is proposed to be rolled out under Design, Built, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) basis through a competitive bidding process.
It would be set up in 40 acres of government land at nearby Puthuvypeen. The government has engaged Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation Ltd (KSIDC) as bid manager for this prestigious and innovative project, a release here said.
The project envisages setting up of state-of-the art fourth generation Oceanarium and aims at propagating awareness about marine environment and bio-diversity.
The Oceanarium would offer unique underwater experience by showcasing aquarium alley, deep sea tunnel, polar pavilion, shark tank, touch tank and other entertainment facilities.
A consortium of Mahindra Consulting Engineers Ltd and Jacques Rougerie Architecte France has completed the Detailed Feasibility Report and has also undertaken conceptual design of the project.
The first stage of selection process involves qualification of bidders as per provisions of Request for Qualification (RFQ). KSIDC will soon release the RFQ to shortlist applicants for awarding the project through competitive bidding process.
