When the Vizhinjam port project was conceived, it was not seen as just a cargo port. The planners also had in mind the amazing development that the state could achieve in many areas in parallel when the large port became operational. The government has come forward with a firm resolve to achieve this goal. A comprehensive plan has been formulated to develop south Kerala into a large industrial corridor by acquiring 10,000 acres of land connected to Vizhinjam port. The development corridor is coming up in Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam districts. Investments of Rs 3 lakh crore are expected from the country and abroad when the upcoming 'Vizhinjam Economic Triangle' connecting Vizhinjam with Kollam, Punalur and Nedumangad becomes a reality.

15 lakh people will get employment when the project is completed in three years. Many new industrial ventures will be born from Vizhinjam to Kollam via NH-66, Nedumangad and Punalur. The structure of the industrial corridor will be such that the growth of traditional industries will be encouraged to the maximum extent possible. It is also intended to provide more strength and energy to the fisheries sector as well as to open up innovative avenues in the field of fish processing. The proposed Vizhinjam development triangle will connect three centres – the Vizhinjam-Kollam National Highway, the Kollam-Sengottai Greenfield line and the Punalur-Nedumangad-Vizhinjam state highway. A sum of Rs 1,000 crore has also been sanctioned to KIIFB for initial expenses for land acquisition and so on.

Given the vastness of the project, KIIFB will be taking up a big challenge. The first challenge will be to acquire 10,000 acres of land required for industries. Seven sub-development centres have also been included in the project, in addition to the main industrial corridor. The economic development corridor will extend to Pallipuram, Attingal, Varkala, Kallambalam, Neendakara, Kollam, Kundara and Kottarakkara on the national highway. The existing infrastructure needs to be developed in all these areas. There are plans to abandon the current method of acquiring land and rely on the land pooling system. Handing over of land required for industries with mutual consent in collaboration with landowners will also be encouraged.

Logistics and industrial parks will be given top place in the industrial corridor. New IT parks are proposed in Attingal and Kazhakoottam. The Adani company will set up a hydrogen power plant in Vizhinjam. Apart from industries, medical tourism projects will also be given space. The Prime Minister is scheduled to dedicate the Vizhinjam port to the nation next month or the following month. The initial steps to implement the Vizhinjam Economic Corridor project at the same time should be taken up without wasting time. The project will reach its target within the expected time frame only if the planning and execution are completed in a timely manner. This is a golden opportunity for the state to grow. There should be prudence from all sides not to waste this opportunity. The people should also stand with the government with maximum support.