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Time of India
7 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Outer area growth corridor project in Thiruvananthapuram faces more delay
: The outer area growth corridor (OAGC) project, one of the flagship development initiatives spearheaded by the capital region development programme (CRDP), is facing yet another delay. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The project, planned as part of Vizhinjam port-related industrialisation, remains in limbo as local self-govt department (LSGD) is yet to approve the revised master plan and detailed project report (DPR) submitted by CRDP. OAGC was envisioned to support the structured expansion of the city by developing peripheral zones, easing urban congestion and enhancing infrastructure in emerging suburbs. Economic zones have been proposed at Vizhinjam, Kovalam, Kattakada, Nedumangad, Vembayam, Mangalapuram, Kilimanoor and Kallambalam as part of the project. However, procedural delays stalled its implementation. According to LSGD sources, CRDP's latest submissions are still under review with no significant progress. "The revised master plan and DPR have been with the department for several weeks now, but the file hasn't moved forward," said an official familiar with the developments. State govt's priority is to develop Vizhinjam-Kollam-Punalur industrial corridor project, said sources. Ajit Kumar, CRDP special officer, who pioneered the project's master plan, will be transferred to New Delhi as part of central deputation, sources said . Earlier, LSGD sought modifications to the initial proposals, citing planning inconsistencies and lack of clarity on key infrastructure elements. CRDP revised and resubmitted the documents. Despite this, bureaucratic bottlenecks continue to stall the project. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "The intention was to kickstart work by mid-2025 but with the current pace of approvals, that timeline seems increasingly unrealistic," said an official. Meanwhile, APM Mohammed Hanish, principal secretary, industries department, told TOI that state govt has taken up the delay issue and will expedite the proceedings as soon as possible. "The file is in LSGD. This project doesn't come under the industries department. However, govt will take prompt action," Hanish said. However, when contacted, senior LSGD officials were unavailable for comment. Urban planners and local stakeholders expressed concern over the delay, warning that prolonged inaction could affect the city's future growth prospects. "Thiruvananthapuram is expanding rapidly and without a coordinated plan for its outskirts, we risk facing serious urban sprawl and infrastructure stress," said SN Raghuchandran Nair, president, Thiruvananthapuram Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Earlier, CRDP retendered a new project management consultant after finding the previously appointed Kitco Ltd unsuitable for a project of this scale. However, officials remain optimistic about commencing the OAGC project by this year.
Time of India
02-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
After inauguration of Vizhinjam port, Kerala govt now seeks to speed up industrialization
T'puram: With the commissioning of the Vizhinjam International Seaport, the state industries department has fast-tracked port-led industrialization under the ambitious Outer Area Growth Corridor (OAGC) project in Thiruvananthapuram. A key move in this direction is the long-awaited Special Investment Region (SIR) Bill, which aims to replace traditional land acquisition with a more investor-friendly land pooling mechanism. According to the industries department, the bill is set to be tabled in the next assembly session. SIR is an area designated by a govt to attract and facilitate investments, often offering incentives and regulatory frameworks tailored to specific sectors or industries. The bill is currently under review by the local self-govt (LSG) and revenue departments. Once their inputs are incorporated, the state cabinet will approve the draft before tabling it in the next legislative assembly session. "The state govt is very serious about port-led industrialisation, which is why the process is moving quickly," said APM Mohammed Hanish, principal secretary of the industries department. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cost Of Amusement Park Equipment From Mexico Might Surprise You - See Tips Amusement Park Equipment | search ads Click Here Undo The bill was earlier expected to be presented in a previous session but was delayed due to suggestions and revisions from the LSG department. Meanwhile, the Vizhinjam port is drawing a wave of investments in the vicinity. Dubai-based Sharaf Group, a major investor, has expressed strong interest in setting up an inland container terminal near the port. Several logistics firms are also scouting for large land parcels to develop container freight stations, logistics parks, and warehouses. To facilitate this, Kinfra — an agency under the Industries Department — is actively identifying suitable land, including 100 acres for Sharaf Group. It is also exploring over 250 acres for developing an industrial park in the vicinity of the port. Capital Region Development Programme-II (CRDP), the consultant of the state govt, is collaborating with the industries department to implement the OAGC, a strategic corridor aligning with the proposed Outer Ring Road (ORR) from Vizhinjam to Navaikulam. CRDP submitted a comprehensive masterplan last year, which includes a draft report for the creation of the SIR and development of industrial zones. The 78-kilometre ORR will pass through eight proposed economic clusters — Vizhinjam, Kovalam, Kattakada, Nedumangad, Vembayam, Mangalapuram, Kilimanoor, and Kallambalam. These clusters will initially be managed by a govt-formed special purpose vehicle (SPV), which will later partner with private co-developers to execute projects.
