Indeed a happy news for Chennaiites. The largest shipyard in South Asia will be built near Chennai The engineering major Larsen and Toubro will complete the mega project in three years.

The shipyard-cum-port project will come up at Kaattupalli village near Ennore. According to the MOU signed between the L&T and the Government of Tamil Nadu on Tuesday, it will have facilities for commercial ship building including very large cargo carriers, which can carry more than one and a half lakh dwt, specialised cargo ships for liquid/gas transportation and cruise vessels. It will also build vessels for the defence sector, offshore platforms and floating production-cum-storage facilities for the oil and gas sector.

The feasibility report is over and environment studies are under way. The construction work will begin in another eight months.

The shipyard will also promote ancillary manufacturing units for components and spares. It would become the hub for the heavy engineering industry, especially for fabrication and components manufacturing. Over five thousand people will get direct employment and another five thousand, indirect employment.

Larsen & Toubro is one of the largest and most respected companies in India's private sector. Seven decades of a strong, customer-focused approach and the continuous quest for world-class quality have enabled it to attain and sustain leadership in all its major lines of business. It believes that progress must be achieved in harmony with the environment. A commitment to community welfare and environmental protection are an integral part of its corporate vision.

Little doubt, the new complex will be a welcome addition to the shipping facilities at Chennai. and will herald a new era in this sphere.