Despite financial constraints, the final budget of the second Pinarayi Vijayan government prioritises infrastructure development with key initiatives such as the Vizhinjam-Kollam-Punalur Growth Triangle (VKP-GT), expansion along the West Coast Canal and Coastal Highway, the Wayanad tunnel project, and the transformation of Vizhinjam into a major Export-Import hub. 

The Vizhinjam-Kollam-Punalur Growth Triangle will receive Rs 10 billion from the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) to enhance transport corridors and establish multi-modal hubs, manufacturing parks, logistics centres, and processing units along the corridor. 

Finance Minister K N Balagopal announced an accelerated timeline for the second, third, and fourth phases of the Vizhinjam port, now expected to be completed by December 2028, ahead of schedule. 

Additional proposals include setting up a shipyard in southern Kerala, expediting the state highway upgrades, completing six-laning of the NH by year-end, and finalising the Hill and Coastal Highways. 

The government has also allocated Rs 5 billion through KIIFB for the revitalisation of the inland waterway between Kovalam and Bekal and Rs 21.34 billion for the Wayanad tunnel project, emphasising its commitment to infrastructure growth. 

(newindianexpress)