Kerala government plans another push for funds from Central Government for big Port City project. Earlier, Centre turned down state's request,citing lack of necessary feasibility studies and Detailed Project Reports.
On July 31, 2026,Chief Minister's Office in Thiruvananthapuram said it would gather needed documents,then approach authorities after finishing preparatory studies. State is now working on detailed project plans, including feasibility studies,techno-economic analyses,financial models.
The memorandum given to Union government was described as vision document. It laid out Kerala's long-term plan for developing integrated maritime,logistics,industrial ecosystem . State clarified it wasn't DPR or direct funding request, but a conceptual guide for future project development.
Kerala's government is sticking with Port City vision. Officials think it will boost state's maritime economy, improve logistics infrastructure,attract big investments,create jobs. State wants to be a top maritime gateway for India .
Union Ministry of Ports,Shipping and Waterways confirmed receiving Kerala's memo,which seeks support under national initiatives like PM Gati Shakti,Sagarmala, National Logistics Policy. These aim to enhance infrastructure,like rail links to Vizhinjam Port and logistics facilities.
Memo also envisions linking Vizhinjam International Seaport with Cochin Port,National Waterway-3, non-major ports,four international airports. Goal is a network boosting connectivity across transport modes .
But Centre's response was clear: initial memo lacked needed feasibility studies,techno-economic reports to assess projects' viability. Without them, Centre said no to financial support or timelines.
So Kerala is pressing on with preparatory studies,consulting experts,technical institutions, industry stakeholders,government agencies. Once done,state plans to submit individual projects for funding and approval.
Port City initiative could reshape Kerala's economy. By focusing on maritime development, state aims to use its location to grow logistics,trade.
As Kerala refines its proposal, government is optimistic Port City project will draw investment,create jobs. It's a key step toward boosting Kerala's maritime capabilities,building a logistics framework to back its economic goals…
