THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The process of implementing eight economic corridors alongside the proposed outer ring road connecting to the Vizhinjam International Port is set to commence next year. The State Planning Board is currently reviewing the master plan for the Outer Area Growth Corridor. The project's goal is to stimulate economic growth by leveraging the port's potential. This Rs 34,000 crore project is expected to foster industrial development in the outskirts of the capital city.

The 78-kilometer ring road will cover various areas, including Vizhinjam (Logistics and Industrial Hub), Kovalam (Health Tourism Hub), Kattakada (Green and Smart Industry Cluster), Nedumangad (Regional Business and Industrial Hub), Vembayam (Pharma and Food Processing Cluster), Mangalapuram (Life Science and IT Cluster), Kilimanoor, and Kallambalam (Agro Food Processing Equipment Cluster). The initial economic corridor will be established in Vizhinjam, followed by the second in Mangalapuram.

Given that this project will rely on public-private partnerships, it won't place a substantial financial burden on the government. The proposed project covers 49 villages with a total population of 7.6 lakh people. Acquiring large amounts of land could face opposition from the local population. To mitigate this, the government has opted for a land pooling approach. The specific measures for this approach are currently under consideration by the Industries Department.