With a view to improve regional connectivity, the Kerala government has proposed to construct a multi-purpose berth at the Ponnani port at a cost of Rs 20 crore.
The government has sought for partial assistance for the construction of the berth from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, under the ambitious Sagarmala programme.
“Ponnani is a non-major port under the control of government of Kerala. Kerala Maritime Board has forwarded a proposal to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways for construction of multi-purpose berth at Ponnani at a total cost of Rs 20 crore for partial assistance under Sagarmala scheme,” Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.
The Sagarmala programme aims to promote port-led development in the country through harnessing India’s 7,500 km long coastline, 14,500 km of potentially navigable waterways and strategic location on key international maritime trade routes.
As a part of the Sagarmala programme, more than 800 projects at an estimated cost of around Rs. 5.5 lakh crore have been identified for implementation during 2015 to 2035 across all coastal states an eastern and western side of the country.
“Keeping in view the importance of regional connectivity, cruise tourism potential and economic growth, the Kerala government has informed that they are exploring the scope to develop the Ponnani Port on PPP model,” the minister said.
He further informed that the Kerela government has called an EoI from private service providers for starting cruise shipping connecting various non-major ports as well as ports of neighbouring states.
