Major port planned at Azhikal

The Centre would set up a major port at Azhikal in Kerala, shipping minister GK Vasan said here on Friday. A technical committee to study its feasibility has submitted its report, which is under examination.

Addressing the Emerging Kerala summit, he said in 2009-10, only 115,000 tonne cargo moved through the non-major ports of Kerala with a meagre share of 4 per cent in the coastal cargo traffic. The CAGR of cargo at non-major ports for 2001-2010 stood at only 1.25 per cent for Kerala as against 3.31 per cent for all India.

The Centre has declared 205 km of waterways system from Kollam to Kottapuram and between Chamapakara and Udyogmandal as National Waterway No 3. Cochin Port has been identified for development as hub for cruise tourism.

 

The Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships has selected Kadalur Point and Vizhinjam lighthouses as tourist centres.