Kozhikode’s big development push: Port city, Light Metro, Cyberpark and more

Kozhikode: Kozhikode will be developed as a port city under the Kerala government's Mission Samudra project, Chief Minister V D Satheesan said on Tuesday, outlining a series of proposed infrastructure, transport, tourism and employment initiatives for the city.

Speaking at the inauguration of the ‘Future Calicut 360’ development conclave, Satheesan said steps had already been initiated to develop ports in the northern district and integrate port-led growth with the wider development of Kozhikode.

He said logistics facilities, a container facilitation centre and transshipment facilities would be established alongside the ports to create employment opportunities.

A cruise terminal is also proposed for Kozhikode, subject to the availability of suitable land, the chief minister said.

Kozhikode Light Metro project

Satheesan said the studies for the proposed Kozhikode Light Metro were progressing and that the project would be implemented without delay once the studies were completed.

The Light Metro project was announced in the government's first state Budget.

Kozhikode airport will also have a key role in the proposed aviation hub network centred around Kerala's four international airports, Satheesan said. A new system will be introduced to improve connectivity between Kozhikode city and the airport, alongside other airport-linked development projects.

M T Vasudevan Nair cultural park

The government also plans to develop an international-standard cultural park in Kozhikode in the name of renowned writer M T Vasudevan Nair.

According to Satheesan, land for the project has already been identified and work is expected to begin within three months.

The proposed park will feature theatres, art galleries, venues for traditional art forms and five-star hotels, among other facilities. It is also envisioned as a major tourism destination showcasing Kozhikode's cultural heritage.

Cyberpark and Knowledge Valley plans

Satheesan said Kozhikode would also get a Cyberpark aimed at competing with Technopark in Thiruvananthapuram and Infopark in Ernakulam.

The city could also be considered for the proposed Knowledge Valley project, which seeks to bring campuses of leading universities from across the world to Kerala, provided suitable land is made available.

The government will prioritise infrastructure projects, including the development of bridges such as the Mankavu bridge, he said. Technical assistance from the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Kozhikode, will also be utilised for various development projects.

Satheesan said the government would work with the people of Kozhikode to realise their aspirations for the city's development.