TECOM given 15-day ultimatum

KOCHI: Setting a deadline for Tecom to either go ahead or withdraw from the Smart City project, the government on Thursday issued an ultimatum to Tecom. By giving a time period of 15 days for Tecom to come out with a reply, the government is trying to have a clear picture on the project before the local body polls.

Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan said the Cabinet has approved the letter to be sent to Tecom asking them why the Smart City project was getting delayed. In the letter to Smart City Kochi CEO Fareed Abdul Rahman and Tecom CEO Abdul Latif Al Mulla, the government would inform its unwillingness to Tecom’s demand of free hold land with the right for sale. It would also be informed that the land is within the Special Economic Zone.

The Chief Minister said that if no reply was received within 15 days, it would be considered that Tecom has withdrawn from the project. Meanwhile, the Tecom officials said they would respond through proper channels after getting the letter.