THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Tender proceedings of the second phase of Kerala State Transport Project will begin this financial year, said PWD Minister V K Ebrahim Kunju. The Minister held talks with World Bank team regarding the funding of KSTP II. World Bank officials, including Simon Ellis and Arnab Bandopadhyay, expressed the hope of signing aide memoire before March. Once the aide memoire is signed, then the State Govt could begin the works. The crucial World Bank Mission is expected to reach the state in January. Meanwhile, the World Bank officials expressed happiness at the progress of KSTP Phase I. They also agreed to enhance the funding of KSTP II. The state had sought `650 crore (US$ 141 million) for the project covering 367.40 km. The WB team has agreed either to include more roads or to include 15-year maintenance contract so that an additional 15 percent amount too will be provided. PWD Minister V K Ebrahim Kunju, KSTP Project Director N Prasanth and other officials held talks with the WB team who reached the state on Monday.
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