Kerala Maritime Board Launches Survey for Port Land Development and Tourism Initiatives

Kerala Maritime Board (KMB) is embarking on a project to survey its land parcels scattered across 17 ports in the state. The aim is to develop maritime-related industries and tourism ventures through public-private partnerships (PPP). Initially, the land parcels at Neendakara and Ashramam in Kollam, as well as a port bungalow in Kozhikode, will be surveyed. KMB has invited expressions of interest (EoI) to engage a specialized firm for topographic surveys using advanced equipment. The goal is to assess and revise records for these locations before moving on to other ports from Vizhinjam to Kasaragod.

The survey will cover land parcels in Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasargod, with the intention of developing them under PPP for a period of 30-50 years. This initiative aims to generate income for KMB, revenue for the government through GST, and employment opportunities for the local population. Previously, port management was under the ports department, and land ownership was with the revenue department. Most of the land is seafront and suitable for development, with some areas currently unused or encroached upon.

Furthermore, the topographic survey will help determine the extent of land, address any encroachments, and bring the properties under KMB’s jurisdiction. Efforts are already underway to lease beachfront buildings near Alappuzha port and utilize beachfront property in Kozhikode for revenue generation. Since its establishment in 2017, KMB has been working on various proposals to enhance port infrastructure, promote coastal cruises, and facilitate cargo movement.

Source