THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The way is being paved for a shipyard in Poovar to help the development and economic growth of Kerala. Union Minister for Ports and Shipping Sarbananda Sonowal has written to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan asking to identify and notify a suitable land for the shipyard and appoint an officer for further coordination. The central plan is to establish a shipyard and ship repair centre with the cooperation of the state under Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision-2047. 'Kerala Kaumudi' had reported in November about the necessity of the shipyard.

Projects costing 80 lakh crore rupees will be implemented under Maritime Amrit Kaal. These include shipbuilding and shipyard clusters, river cruise projects, inland waterway transport projects and world-class ports. The letter sent by the Centre points out that the shipping industry plays a crucial role in economic growth and job creation and 95 percent of the country's trade is by sea. Kerala has not replied to the letter. If the shipyard comes up in Poovar, Kerala will become a state with two shipyards including Kochi. The natural depth of 13 meters up to a distance of half a kilometre from the shore at Poovar, which is 10 km from Vizhinjam port, is favourable for the shipyard. It is suitable for building even huge ships that can carry more than twenty thousand containers. Frequent dredging will not be required.

2500 acres of land should be acquired

1. Central proposal is to acquire 2500-3000 acres of land. The beach should be deep enough to build large ships. Should be near the main port.
2. The state should ensure township, hospital and road connectivity near the shipyard. Clearances, approvals and permits should be expedited.
3. There will be about 15,000 job opportunities. Beneficial for related industries also. The government will also benefit in terms of taxes.