Saturday, July 2 2005 18:49 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Madurai: The Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh today (July 2, 2005) inaugurated the works on the Rs 2427 crore Sethusamudram Ship Channel Project, which will considerably cut the sailing distance between the West and the East coasts, at a function boycotted by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa and held amidst protests from fishermen and environmentalists.

Speaking on the occasion, Singh announced the Centre's decision to set up a 'world-class' automobile testing facility near Chennai, which will attract huge investment both directly and indirectly.

"It will give a boost to Tamil Nadu's already developed automobile sector. Let Tamil Nadu be a rival to Detroit in future", he said while pressing the button to mark the inauguration of the works for the project that is expected to be completed by 2008. Simultaneously, the dredging Corporation of India, started the dredging works.

Allaying the apprehensions of fishermen that the project would deprive them of their livelihood, the Prime Minister said the livelihood of fishermen would be protected.

"We will make all efforts to preserve our natural heritage while implementing this project so that everyone's livelihood is protected', he said, and assured them that their lives would not be affected by this project.

In the 10th five-year plan, 'We have set an ambitious target for improving our ports. We want to encourage new investments in port development through a partnership between the public and private sectors', he said, adding that, 'We welcome all forms of investment, public and private, in our ports'.