Vizhinjam port will be changed to a special hub; future is entry to development of Kerala, says FM

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Finance Minister K N Balagopal is presenting the fourth budget presentation of the second Pinarayi government in the assembly. There is sunrise economy in the state. He also clarified that Vizhinjam will be made a special hub.

‘Vizhinjam International Port will start functioning in May. Vizhinjam will be converted into a special hub. It is expected to change the commercial map of South India. Let's not forget that there was a delay of two decades in the case of Vizhinjam. The government is moving ahead with a firm determination not to delay any more. Vizhinjam port is the development gateway of future Kerala. Special development zones will be started in Vizhinjam like the Chinese model. It will start by accepting investments from private individuals including expatriate Malayalees. There is a huge development potential focusing on Vizhinjam,’ the finance minister said.

‘Construction work connected to the port is now progressing rapidly. The work on yard, berth, office buildings etc. is in progress. Soon the dream of Kerala and India will become a reality. The world's largest mother ships will dock at our port. Transshipment operations will begin. Investment is needed to transform Vizhinjam to match the number of ports in the world. Legislation needs to be made for this. A sprawling hub of townships, residential areas, industrial hubs, warehouses and entertainment centres will replace the port. For this, the government is targeting development projects worth thousands of crores of rupees,’ said Balagopal.