‘Mission Samudra’ announced; Aim to transform Kerala into maritime economy

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The UDF government's first budget presentation is in progress in the assembly. Chief Minister V D Satheesan, who is also the finance minister, is presenting the budget. The chief minister announced the project 'Mission Samudra' by integrating the state's coastline, ports and other water resources. The government has allocated Rs 400 crore for the project.

‘The state's economic vulnerabilities and structural changes cannot be resolved through traditional means alone. This government is committed to stimulating the economy through modern and innovative means, attracting large investments and accumulating money in the exchequer, and ensuring equitable distribution of that wealth. Mission Samudra is one of the dream projects to realize this.

Mission Samudra is a project to elevate Kerala as a major power on the world maritime map within five years by integrating Kerala's 600 km coastline, two international ports, a containment terminal, 17 non-major ports and many other water resources. Kerala will be transformed into a maritime economy by converging road, sea and inland waterways by envisioning it as a port city.

To connect the Vizhinjam transshipment terminal to different parts of the world and improve transportation, land acquisition and construction activities for the Balaramapuram-Vizhinjam underground rail and Vizhinjam-Navaikulam outer ring road projects will be expedited. The global shipping industry will take advantage of the opportunity of shifting to green fuels. The government is allocating Rs 400 crore for Mission Samudra,' said V D Satheesan.