'The Mahe fishing harbour work is now proposed under build-operate-transfer (BOT) mode to expedite completion,' he added.

He said the thrust during the year will be on public-private partnership (PPP) projects, particularly Puducherry Port, already awarded to a concessionaire to commence construction.

Announcing the central government's approval for converting the Polagam Growth Centre in Karaikal into Special Economic Zone, Vaithilingam said the Puducherry government is taking steps to promote tourism as one of the major thrust areas by creating a favourable climate for infrastructure investment through PPP mode.

River cruise at Mahe and Yanam and sea cruise at Puducherry and Karaikal are planned to promote tourism.

The gross budget estimate for 2009-10 is Rs.4,133 crore, which includes a plan outlay of Rs.2,250 crore, non-plan provision of Rs.1,846.20 crore and centrally sponsored schemes Rs.36.80 crore.