THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state budget has made big announcements for the Vizhinjam port. The main announcements are that the Vizhinjam port will be made a major transshipment port. Vizhinjam will be transformed into an export-import port on the model of Singapore and Dubai. As part of this, the Vizhinjam-Kollam-Punalur Development Growth Triangle Project (VKPGT) will be implemented. This project will lead to the development of NH 66, the new greenfield NH 744, M C Road, the hilly coastal highway and railways. The Vizhinjam project will be completed in 2028.A new shipyard has also been introduced in the budget for South Kerala.

Other announcements

• Kovalam-Bekal inland waterway transport corridor will be created. It will be completed in 2026.

• KIIFB will provide Rs 500 crore for the development of inland waterway transport.

• The coastal road will be completed with private investment.

• Kerala is becoming a state without extreme poverty.

• The goal of making Kerala a state without homeless and landless people. Will be realized soon.

• More discussions will be held with the Central Government for shipbuilding and maritime transport.

• It is expected that the Centre will take steps to start a shipyard in South Kerala.

• 75 crores for coastal development.