Kerala announces maritime tourism projects and solar expansion

Kerala Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan has announced several major tourism and infrastructure projects aimed at leveraging the state’s maritime heritage and biodiversity. Key initiatives include the development of a cruise terminal in north Kerala, specifically in the Kozhikode region, and permission for Cochin Port to develop its own cruise terminal. The government also plans to establish an oceanarium and an international maritime museum in Kochi to showcase the region's marine ecosystem and the history of the ancient Muziris port.

Further expansion plans include exploring cruise services connecting Kerala with Dubai, Goa, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka, with a long-term vision to operate vessels from Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram. The state also intends to develop river cruise tourism by linking the network to Kerala’s 44 rivers.

In the aviation sector, Kannur International Airport has completed a 4 MWp grid-connected solar power project. The installation, which includes both ground-mounted and carport solar capacity, is expected to meet a substantial portion of the airport’s daytime electricity requirements and save approximately ₹30 lakh per month. The project was implemented by Oriana Power under a capital expenditure model.