Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 14 (IANS) Kerala plans to use government land as equity to attract investment in port development, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan told the Assembly on Wednesday.
The proposal is part of Mission Samudra, a plan to develop the state’s ports and expand its maritime economy.
The government also proposes to allow port concessions for up to 45 years to attract investors.
Satheesan was speaking while introducing the Kerala Maritime Board (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which seeks to strengthen the Board and speed up decisions on port development.
The proposed changes would bring the Chief Minister to the helm of the Board.
Representatives of key departments, including Finance, Industries, Fisheries, Revenue and Law, would work together to resolve issues related to port projects.
The government plans to mobilise funds through private investors, public sector companies, government-to-government partnerships, and transparent bidding.
It hopes to use government land as its contribution to projects instead of meeting the entire investment cost from the state budget.
The Bill also proposes a maritime land bank and the restoration of Port Area Development Authorities to plan and develop areas around ports.
It seeks to provide a clearer legal framework for public-private partnership projects.
The government wants to expand coastal shipping to carry goods such as oil, gas, chemicals, and other cargo.
Satheesan said sea transport could cost around one-third of road transport, making it an attractive alternative for moving goods.
The plan also includes cruise terminals at Kochi and Kozhikode, with possible passenger services connecting Kerala to destinations such as Goa, as well as Dubai, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka.
River cruises linking the state’s 44 rivers are envisaged in a later phase.
Mission Samudra also aims to revive seafood exports, promote industries linked to ports and develop logistics parks, container stations, and warehouses.
The government hopes these projects will create jobs and strengthen local businesses.
The Chief Minister said Kerala would also encourage courses in logistics, maritime law and maritime history to prepare young people for jobs in the sector.
The plan includes a proposed Rs 3,200 crore ring road linked to the development of Vizhinjam port.
The government expects Mission Samudra to attract investment and turn Kerala’s coastline and ports into major centres of trade and economic activity.
–IANS
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