Kerala Budget charts plan to make State a leading ‘unified Port City’
The Revised Kerala Budget for the financial year 2026–27, presented by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Friday, outlines an ambitious vision to transform Kerala into
The Revised Kerala Budget for the financial year 2026–27, presented by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Friday, outlines an ambitious vision to transform Kerala into one of India’s leading maritime and logistics hubs by leveraging the immense potential of the Vizhinjam International Seaport. Terming Kerala as a unified ‘Port City’, the Budget proposes harnessing the integrated strengths of the State’s 600-km coastline, 17 non-major ports, two major ports, and its extensive road, rail, sea, and inland waterway networks. Kerala Revised Budget updates The plan envisages the development of manufacturing clusters and greenfield cities along these transport corridors, creating a robust ecosystem for trade, industry, and economic growth. In addition, the government aims to position Kerala as a major aviation and logistics gateway by capitalising on the strategic advantage of its four international airports to enhance connectivity, attract investment, and strengthen global commerce.
Mission Samudra The State will launch Mission Samudra, a flagship initiative aimed at establishing Kerala as a significant force on the global maritime map within the next five years. An allocation of ₹400 crore has been made for Mission Samudra projects, including the Port City initiative. The project will focus on strengthening transport connectivity through land acquisition and construction activities related to the Balaramapuram-Vizhinjam underground railway and the Vizhinjam-Navaikulam Outer Ring Road, among other infrastructure projects. Manufacturing zones, container-stuffing centres, and dry ports will be established in the vicinity of the Vizhinjam and Kochi ports. Capitalising on the global shipping industry’s transition towards environmentally sustainable fuels, Vizhinjam will be developed as India’s leading port for green bunkering services. A dedicated shipbuilding hub for the construction, repair, and maintenance of mother ships will also be established, the Chief Minister announced in the Budget.
Kerala Maritime Policy The government will formulate a comprehensive Kerala Maritime Policy to accelerate the development of the State’s four key non-major ports — Vizhinjam-Kovalam, Kollam, Beypore, and Azhikkal. The policy will promote coastal freight transport, port-led industrial development, logistics, and allied shipping activities. It will also leverage the land, buildings, and other assets available across the remaining 13 non-major ports to support maritime tourism, logistics, maritime industries, maritime legal education, and the establishment of a maritime museum through public-private partnerships. To support these initiatives, a comprehensive water transport network connecting major and minor ports with Kerala’s inland waterways will be developed in a phased manner. Aviation hub Kerala will also be developed as South India’s premier aviation and logistics hub, anchored by the State’s four international airports.
The BriefWire