A portion of National Waterway-III passes through Champakkara in Kochi. A sum of ₹133 crore was earmarked in the State Budget 2025 for inland water transport.
| Photo Credit: THULASI KAKKAT
The Cochin Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) has welcomed the Kerala government’s move to transform the State into an industrial hub by leveraging the Vizhinjam International Seaport in Thiruvananthapuram.
S.P. Kamath, president of the Chamber, said the Vizhinjam-Kollam-Punalur Industrial and Economic Growth Triangle project, spanning 1,456 sq. km in Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram, was a key step. The project aims to integrate coastal, central and hilly regions through enhanced road and rail connectivity, boosting economic growth and industry.
“The government’s efforts to make Kerala a global health tourism hub, with ₹50 crore for an international campaign, is a positive move. This aligns with the Union government’s ‘Heal in India’ programme, which promotes medical tourism through private-sector collaboration, skill development, and visa reforms. The ₹10,431.73 crore allocation for healthcare is set to improve infrastructure, accessibility, and innovation, further cementing Kerala’s status as a top medical tourism destination,” he said.
NH 66 widening
Another key highlight of the Budget is the construction of a six-lane highway, which the Finance Minister assured will be completed by December 31, 2025. Along with ₹3,061 crore for roads and bridges, this project is set to boost connectivity, improve logistics, and facilitate trade, further strengthening the State’s economy.
The Budget also proposed a new shipyard in southern Kerala to strengthen maritime logistics and shipbuilding. In the education and research sector, ₹62 crore was allocated for a centre of excellence at the Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat). This initiative was expected to foster research, innovation, and skill development, further cementing Kerala’s reputation in higher education and advanced studies, the chamber said in a press release.
FICCI response
The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) called the Budget a catalyst for infrastructure development and industrial growth. FICCI State council chairman V.P. Nandakumar referred to the allocation of ₹50 crore for medical tourism, plans to utilise fallow land, develop a 100-acre plot near Vizhinjam port, and ₹1,000 crore for marine parks as steps in the right direction.
“The additional allocation for the fisheries sector, he proposed seaplane service, helicopter tourism promotion, ₹200 crore for the Kochi-Palakkad industrial corridor, and efforts to modernise minor ports in Kerala are all welcome.”
Mr. Nandakumar also appreciated the general amnesty scheme for entrepreneurs with GST dues. However, the tax hike on premium electric vehicles (EVs) was disappointing, especially as other States were encouraging the shift to EVs, FICCI said in a release.
Published – February 08, 2025 01:43 am IST