Sagarmala's Green Light for Kollam: A New Era for the Port

The Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways has extended strong support for the holistic development of Kollam Port under the Sagarmala initiative, despite its status as a non-major port. While administrative authority rests with the Kerala government, the Centre has pledged financial and technical assistance to aid its expansion.

In a recent Lok Sabha statement, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal stressed the importance of upgrading Kollam Port to accommodate passenger, cargo, and luxury vessels, along with establishing a shipping link to Minicoy Island in Lakshadweep. He also noted that several multipurpose development works at the port have already been completed with Central funding.

MP N.K. Premachandran highlighted the need for a comprehensive development proposal to be submitted via the Kerala Maritime Board, in line with Sagarmala guidelines. The Centre has urged the state to detail the required infrastructure upgrades to formally integrate Kollam Port into the Sagarmala project, aiming to boost regional connectivity and economic growth.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.