Thiruvananthapuram, 19 June (H.S.): Unveiling an ambitious vision to reposition Kerala as a major maritime economy, Chief Minister and Finance Minister V.D. Satheesan on Friday announced the launch of “Mission Samudra”, a comprehensive initiative aimed at transforming the state into a global maritime hub within the next five years.

Presenting the first Budget of the UDF government in the Kerala Assembly, Satheesan said the state would leverage its vast coastline, strategic location and port infrastructure to emerge as a significant player on the world maritime map. He described Kerala’s future development model as that of a “Port State”, driven by an integrated maritime economy linking ports, transport networks, industrial clusters and urban development projects.

The Chief Minister said traditional methods of mobilising revenue would no longer be sufficient to meet the state’s growing financial needs. To stimulate economic growth and strengthen public finances, the government would focus on attracting large-scale investments and creating new engines of economic activity.

Highlighting Kerala’s maritime potential, Satheesan noted that the state possesses nearly 600 kilometres of coastline, two international ports, a container transshipment terminal, 17 other ports and an extensive network of inland waterways. These assets, he said, provide Kerala with a unique opportunity to become a leading maritime and logistics destination.

Under Mission Samudra, the government plans to create a maritime ecosystem connecting roads, railways, seaports, inland waterways, manufacturing zones and planned greenfield cities. The initiative is expected to generate employment, attract investment and accelerate industrial growth across the state.

A major focus of the plan will be the development of the Vizhinjam International Seaport and its integration with national logistics networks. The government will expedite land acquisition and construction activities for key connectivity projects, including the Balaramapuram–Vizhinjam underground rail corridor and the Vizhinjam–Navaikulam Outer Ring Road.

The Budget also proposes the establishment of manufacturing and logistics zones around the Vizhinjam and Kochi ports. Stuffing centres and dry ports will be developed to improve cargo handling efficiency and strengthen Kerala’s position in global supply chains.

In a significant announcement, Satheesan said Vizhinjam would be developed as India’s first port to provide green bunkering services, a move aimed at promoting environmentally sustainable maritime operations and positioning the port as a preferred destination for next-generation shipping.

The Chief Minister said Mission Samudra would serve as a cornerstone of Kerala’s long-term economic strategy, helping the state transition into a globally connected maritime and logistics powerhouse.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman