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Emerging Kerala

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Emerging Kerala
"Come. Experience. And be part of it"
Host countryIndia
Date12–14 September 2012
Venue(s)Le Méridien, Kochi
CitiesKochi, Kerala
ChairGovernment of Kerala
Websitewww.emergingkerala2012.org

Emerging Kerala is the name given to a biennial investors summit held by the Government of Kerala in Kerala, India. The event is aimed at bringing together business leaders, investors, corporations, thought leaders, policy, and opinion makers.

The summit is advertised as a platform to understand and explore business chances in the State of Kerala.

Investment options

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Twenty-six sectors have been identified and the following project profiles have been prepared by various departments, PSUs & other agencies for showcasing in 'Emerging Kerala 2012'[1]

  • Tourism
  • Healthcare services
  • Manufacturing including Engineering & Automotive
  • Projects under MSME Sector
  • IT / ITES / IT Infrastructure
  • Science & Technology
  • Trade & Retailing
  • Food & Agro Processing and Value-addition
  • Ports, Shipbuilding
  • Textiles & Garments
  • Electronics
  • Knowledge / Education sector
  • Green Energy
  • Bio-Technology, Nano Technology, Pharmaceuticals
  • Urban Infrastructure Development
  • Infotainment
  • Logistics
  • Petrochemicals
  • Gas based Industries
  • Airport Infrastructure, Airplane and Helicopter services
  • Centers of Excellence
  • Infrastructure development (Road, Rail, Power, Water Supply, Sewage)

Emerging Kerala Global Connect 2012

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The first edition of the Emerging Kerala summit, was held from 12 to 14 September 2012 at the Le Meridien International Convention Centre, Kochi. The event was organised by the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC), to highlight investment opportunities available in Kerala and advertise to the world its state of readiness to receive investors.[2] The Hon'ble Prime Minister of India Dr. Manmohan Singh inaugurated the three-day event.[3] [4]

Several programmes were organised in connection with and leading up to Emerging Kerala 2012.[5]

These include:

  • Business meets
  • Sectoral conclaves;
  • Domestic and international road-shows
  • Discussion and debates

Besides the inaugural session, the first Global connect had

  • Plenary Sessions
  • Sectoral presentations;
  • Round tables.
  • Business to Business (B2B) connects;
  • Business to Government (B2G) connects.
  • Cultural performances

The event as well as its associated programmes had the support of the Government of Kerala (GoK) and KSIDC, in addition to various trade and industrial bodies. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) were the event partners.

Outcomes of the meet

The meet could bring in 45 specific project proposals with an investment of over Rs.40,000 crore, including Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd.'s Kochi Refinery expansion and another joint venture project of Rs.18,000 crore; Volkswagen’s engine assembly unit (Rs.2,000 crore); hospital and pre-cast concrete structure manufacturing unit (Rs.570 crore); and solar energy plant (Rs.500crore).[6]

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) had announced the setting up of a Centre of Excellence in Entrepreneurship in the State. During the meeting, 43 business proposals were discussed between different departments of the State and companies from the U.K., the U.S., Japan, and Canada.

The Kerala State Investment Board will be set up by the Government of Kerala to speed up clearance for proposals. Necessary amendments would be made to the single-window clearance Act, including making the application process online.

The Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (KINFRA) would create one lakh sq ft built-up space in 16 months for incubators and complete the first phase of 25,000 sq ft by May 2013, making the world's largest telecom incubator. The State government plans to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem by creating Technology Innovation Zone on about 10 acres in Kochi at an initial investment of Rs.100 crore.

Mega projects

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A number of Mega projects are being conceptualized and developed in the State, the most prominent of which are as follows:[7]

Color key
  •   : The project has been completed
  •   : The project is under-development
  •   : The project is in the planning stages
  •   : The project has been proposed
  •   : The project has been delayed or indefinitely postponed
  •   : The project has been halted/abandoned
No. Project Title Proposed Year Expected Completion Project Details Current status
1 Supplementary Gas Infrastructure Project 2015 Not specified A joint venture company, Kerala Gail Gas Limited (KGGL), has been established between the KSIDC and GAIL Gas Limited. KGGL will undertake activities such as city gas distribution in Kerala, the establishment of CNG stations for KSRTC buses, a gas training institute, and spur lines from GAIL's main pipeline. Additionally, the company will set up small gas-based power generating plants. The total estimated investment for the project is ₹2,000 crores ($400 million). Under-development
2 Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport 2015 2024 The Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport is an ambitious project of the Government of Kerala, being developed at Vizhinjam in Thiruvananthapuram. The project adheres to the Landlord Port Model, wherein dredging, reclamation, and essential infrastructure such as breakwaters and quays will be undertaken by Vizhinjam International Seaport Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Government of Kerala. Port operations will be managed through a public-private partnership (PPP) model. A private operator will construct, operate, and maintain the terminal superstructure for a period of 30 years. The port development, along with its supporting infrastructure, is planned in phases, with an estimated cumulative cost of ₹7000 Crores ($1.4 billion). Upon completion, the port will offer a total quay length of 2000 meters across three phases, primarily catering to container transshipment, while also accommodating other cargo types like multi-purpose and break bulk goods. Completed
3 Digital Science Park, Thiruvananthapuram 2018 Not specified The Digital Science Park under construction in Thiruvananthapuram, will be India's first digital science park. Announced in the 2022-23 state budget, the Government of Kerala allocated ₹1000 crore for the development of four science parks to leverage advancements in science and technology. The first of these parks is being established near the Digital University of Kerala in Technopark Phase IV, Technocity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the park on April 25, 2023 Under-development
4 Kochi Metro Rail Project 2012 2024 The project envisions constructing a world-class Light Mass Rapid Transit (LMRTS) system in Kochi to enhance the quality of life in the Greater Kochi metropolitan area. By improving regional connectivity and reducing overcrowding, traffic congestion, travel time, air, and noise pollution, the project aims to significantly uplift the region.

Spanning a total of 25 kilometers, the LMRTS will feature 21 stations from Aluva to Pettah. The proposed construction method involves an elevated viaduct supported by pre-stressed concrete U-shaped girders. To execute this project, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) named Kochi Metro Rail Limited has been established. The estimated project cost is ₹4500 crores ($900 million).

Under-development
4 Monorail Project in Thiruvananthapuram 2012 Not specified This is a prestigious single-rail mass transit project of the Government of Kerala, spanning a 28.4-kilometer route between Kazhakoottam and Balaramapuram in Thiruvananthapuram district. A monorail is a rail-based transportation system supported and guided by a single rail. This monorail will be elevated on a track along the median of the main road, minimizing land acquisition as only junctions require widening. Each train will consist of four cars, accommodating over 200 passengers, and will travel at a safe speed of 40 kilometers per hour. The estimated total project cost is ₹3408 Crores ($682 million). A detailed traffic study is being conducted by the National Transportation Planning & Research Centre (NATPAC). Delayed/Indefinitely Postponed
5 Kozhikode Light Metro 2021 Not specified The Kozhikode Light Metro Project is a proposed Light Rail Transit (LRT) system comprising a single line with 14 stations. The 13.3-kilometer first phase of the project is currently underway and is being overseen by the Kerala Rapid Transit Corporation Limited (KRTL). Despite facing numerous setbacks due to security and budgetary challenges, the estimated ₹2,773 crore (US$347 million) project is anticipated to be completed by 2026. Upon completion, the Light Metro is expected to significantly alleviate traffic congestion and improve commuting conditions for residents. Delayed/Indefinitely Postponed
6 Silver Line (K-Rail) 2020 Not specified The Silver Line is a proposed higher-speed rail line in India that would connect Thiruvananthapuram, the state capital, with Kasaragod in Kerala. With an operating speed of 200 kilometers per hour (120 mph) and a maximum design speed of 220 kmph (55 mps), structures being engineered for 250 kmph (69.5 mps), the line would reduce travel time between the two cities to less than four hours, compared to the current 10 to 12 hours. The proposed stations along the 532-kilometer (331-mile) corridor include Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Chengannur, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Tirur, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasaragod. The project is currently suspended by the state government pending approval from the central government. Delayed/Indefinitely Postponed
7 Kochi GIFT City 2017 2025 The proposed GIFT City, Kochi, is a global financial and trade hub under development on a 220-hectare site at Ayyampuzha, near Aluva in Ernakulam district. This early-bird project is part of the Kochi-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (KBIC). A joint venture between the state and central governments, the project is anticipated to create over 50,000 jobs upon completion. Land acquisition is currently underway. Beyond attracting prominent companies, it is expected to generate approximately ₹1 lakh crore in investments. The project is slated for completion by 2025, aiming to become a prominent IT and trade hub. In the planning stages
8 Mumbai Kanyakumari Economic Corridor 2019 Not specified The Mumbai-Kanyakumari Economic Corridor, a 1,760-kilometer-long infrastructure project, is being developed by the Government of India as part of the Bharatmala Pariyojana. Stretching along India's western coast, the corridor links major cities including Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Mangalore, Kochi, and Thiruvananthapuram. Primarily aimed at stimulating economic growth, the corridor is currently under construction with an estimated cost of ₹50,000 crore. Projections indicate that the operational corridor will generate revenue of Rs. 25 lakh crore over the next 25 years, making it a potentially transformative and highly beneficial megaproject for Kerala. Under-development
9 Air Kerala airlines 2014 2025 It is a proposed airline project, promoted by the Government of Kerala, registered as a subsidiary of the Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL). In March 2015, the board of directors of the airline decided to defer the start of commercial operations until a clear picture of relevant government rules emerged. In July 2024, Afi Ahmed's private company, Zettfly Aviation, announced that they had received a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Civil Aviation to operate scheduled commuter air transport services for three years. Zettfly plans to use Ahmed's Air Kerala domain name to market their services. It would be the first regional airline to be based in Kerala. Zettfly is working to obtain an Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) and will start operations with three ATR 72-600 aircraft. Being set up as an "ultra low-cost airline", Ahmed plans to start out with three ATR 72-600 aircraft and grow its fleet to 20 for international expansion. Under-development
10 Palakkad Industrial Smart City 2024 Not specified The Union Cabinet approved the Palakkad industrial city, part of a 12-city initiative under the National Industrial Corridor Development program. The city will be built on 1,710 acres, with an estimated investment of ₹28,602 crore. Palakkad is a key component of the Kochi-Bengaluru industrial corridor, expected to attract ₹10,000 crore in Kerala. The Government of Kerala acquired 82% of the land in 2022. The project received approvals from the National Industrial Corridor Trust Board and the Environment Ministry. A special purpose vehicle, Kerala Industrial Corridor Development Corporation, has been formed. Once the master plan and detailed project report are finalized, the tendering process will begin. In the planning stages

Other projects

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No. Project Title Proposed Year Proposed Location Current status
1 Petroleum Chemicals & Petrochemical Investment Region (PCPIR) 2013 Kochi and Coimbatore Delayed/Indefinitely Postponed
2 Kochi-Palakkad National Investment and Manufacturing Zone (NIMZ) 2014 Palakkad and Kochi In the planning stages
3 Indian Institute of Information Technology, Kottayam (IIIT) 2014 Kottayam Completed
4 Electronic Hub at Kochi 2012 Kochi In the planning stages
5 Titanium Sponge Plant Project 2010 Chavara, Kollam Completed
6 Oceanarium Project 2011 Puthuvype, Kochi Halted
7 Gas Based Power Project 2012 Cheemeni, Kasargode Delayed/Indefinitely Postponed

Updates mega projects in Kerala

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Trouism in Kerala
Project Location Status
Jatayu Earth's Center Nature Park Chadayamangalam Completed
Vagamon Glass Bridge Vagamon Completed
World Class Station
Project Location Status
Ernakulam Junction railway station Ernakulam Under-development
Kollam Junction railway station Kollam Under-development
Thiruvananthapuram railway station Thiruvananthapuram Proposed
Thrissur railway station Thrissur In the planning stages
Tunnel
Project Location Status
Kuthiran Tunnel Kunthiran Completed
Airport
Project Location Status
Kannur international airport Kannur Completed
Sabarimala Greenfield Airport Manimala & Erumely, Kottayam District Proposed
Bekal Airport Bekal Proposed
Thiruvambady Airport Thiruvambady Proposed
Frrey
Project Location Status Notes
Kochi Water Metro Kochi Completed The construction work started in 2016 and its first route between Vyttila and InfoPark was inaugurated in February 2021 by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. It was officially inaugurated and opened to passengers by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 25 April 2023. Kochi Water Metro is expected to become fully operational by 2035 with a daily commuter-count of 1.5 lakh passengers. It is also described as possibly the largest electric boat metro transportation infrastructure being implemented in the world.
Semi high speed in kerala
Project Location Time Status Notes
Vanda Bharat express Kasaragod–Thiruvananthapuram Vande Bharat Express (via Kottayam) 08hrs 5mins Completed India's 15th Vande Bharat Express train, connecting Kasaragod with state capital Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. The train service was officially inaugurated on 25 April 2023 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Thiruvananthapuram Central. As of July 2023, it is the best-performing Vande Bharat Express train service with an average occupancy of 183 per cent, according to official data.
Kasaragod–Thiruvananthapuram Vande Bharat Express (via Alappuzha) 07hrs 55mins Completed India's 33rd Vande Bharat Express train, connecting Kasaragod with state capital Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. It is the second Vande Bharat Express in Kerala as well as India's first saffron coloured semi-high speed train. The service was inaugurated on 24 September 2023 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi via video conference from New Delhi.
Silver Line (K-Rail) Kasaragod- Thiruvananthapuram 4 hrs Delayed/Indefinitely Postponed Proposed higher-speed rail line in India that would connect Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city, and Kasaragod of Kerala state.Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Chengannur, Kottayam, Kochi, Thrissur, Tirur, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod will be the stations in this corridor.
Railway line
Project Location Note Status
Nilambur-Nanjangud line Nanjangud (Karnataka) to Nilambur (Kerala) through Wayanad district of Kerala and Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu. Railways have reportedly made the move following the intervention of technocrat E. Sreedharan who had certified the viability of the proposed line from Nilambur to Mysuru.[8] Proposed
Sabarimala Railway Angamaly (Ernakulam district)

Erumeli(Kottayam district)

Sabarimala Railway is a proposed 111-kilometre (69 mi)-long railway line in Kerala, India, that will run from Angamaly to Erumeli. It was sanctioned in 1998 by Indian Railways. The line's name comes from the fact that it will provide a railway facility to pilgrims visiting the Sabarimala Temple (which number more than the total population of Kerala). Delayed/Indefinitely Postponed
Urban Rapid in Kerala
Project Location Type Phase(s) Status
Kochi metro Kochi Rapid transit Phase l - 25 Completed
Phase II – 11 station Under-development
Phase III– station 14 Proposed
Thiruvananthapuram light metro Thiruvananthapuram light rapid transit Phase I – 19 station Delayed/Indefinitely Postponed
Kozhikode light metro Kozhikode Light rapid transit Phase I – 22 station Delayed/Indefinitely Postponed

Permanently Halted/Abandoned Projects

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The following are major infrastructure projects that have been permanently suspended or abandoned due to a combination of environmental, financial, and administrative challenges, resulting in delays or complete termination.

No. Project Title Location (District) Reason for Halting
1 Aranmula International Airport Pathanamthitta Proposed in Aranmula, this private airport project faced strong opposition from local residents and environmentalists. The airport was to be located on land that was believed to be ecologically fragile, and the Kerala High Court later ruled in favour of the opposition, leading to the project's permanent cancellation.
2 Hydro Power Projects in Silent Valley Palakkad The Silent Valley Hydroelectric Project, which was proposed in the 1970s, was permanently shelved following widespread protests by environmental activists and local communities. The project was believed to be a major threat to the biodiversity of the Silent Valley forest, part of the Western Ghats.
3 Athirappilly Hydroelectric Project Thrissur The Athirappilly hydroelectric project was halted after widespread protests from environmental groups and local communities. The project would have affected the biodiversity-rich region near the Athirappilly waterfalls, and concerns about environmental destruction and displacement led to its cancellation.
4 Vizhinjam Mother and Child Hospital Thiruvananthapuram The construction of a mother and child hospital in Vizhinjam, was halted midway due to issues in project management, budget overruns, and bureaucratic delays. While initially approved to provide healthcare facilities to underserved areas, it remains unfinished due to administrative hurdles.
5 Gas-Based Power Plant Thiruvananthapuram Proposed to provide cleaner energy, this gas-based power plant in Thiruvananthapuram was halted after initial planning due to concerns over fuel availability and environmental clearances.
6 Karapuzha Irrigation Project Wayanad This irrigation project was initiated to help farmers in the Wayanad region but has faced multiple delays due to budget overruns and environmental concerns. The project remains unfinished despite being planned decades ago.
7 Kannur Aerotropolis Kannur The Kannur Aerotropolis, envisioned as an airport city with industrial and commercial hubs, remains stalled due to land acquisition disputes and insufficient private sector interest. The project was meant to boost economic activity in the Kannur region but is currently in limbo.
8 Kerala Seaplane Kollam The Kerala Seaplane project, initially met with mixed reactions, faced significant setbacks. Protests from fishing communities over concerns about livelihood and the environment forced the project to relocate. Despite efforts to gain community support, the project was ultimately abandoned due to operational challenges and mounting losses. The aircraft remained grounded, and the government's expert committee was unable to complete its assessment.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Sectors, Emerging Kerala". Archived from the original on 15 September 2012. Retrieved 12 September 2012.
  2. ^ "Emerging Kerala investment meet to see 51 nations taking part | NDTV.com". Archived from the original on 5 September 2012. Retrieved 8 September 2012.
  3. ^ "Prime Minister to inaugurate 'Emerging Kerala' meet on September 12 | NDTV.com". Archived from the original on 8 September 2012. Retrieved 8 September 2012.
  4. ^ "Manmohan to open Emerging Kerala". The Hindu. 18 August 2012. Retrieved 10 September 2019.
  5. ^ "Event, Emerging Kerala 2012, 12th - 14th September, le Meridien Convention Centre, Kochi, Kerala, India". Archived from the original on 30 August 2012. Retrieved 12 September 2012.
  6. ^ "The Hindu : States / Kerala : Emerging Kerala sets new goals for State". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 17 September 2012. Retrieved 17 September 2012.
  7. ^ "Mega Projects, Emerging Kerala". Archived from the original on 13 September 2012. Retrieved 12 September 2012.
  8. ^ Bureau, The Hindu (15 May 2023). "Railways to conduct final location survey of Nilambur-Nanjangud line". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 5 January 2024. {{cite news}}: |last= has generic name (help)
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