Ponnani’s long-awaited port development project has finally been included in the state budget, giving the area new optimism. Coastal confidence has been bolstered by the inclusion of the Ponnani port project in the budget for the third year in a row. The development of non-major ports, including Ponnani, as well as other ports like Azhikkal, Beypore, Kollam, Vizhinjam, Alappuzha, Kodungallur, Thalassery, Valiyathura, Vadakara, Kannur, and Kasaragod, has been allocated ₹65 crore in this year’s budget. This amount is ₹19.80 crore more than the share from the previous year.

Ponnani Port had been suggested for development last year together with Azhikkal, Beypore, Kollam, and Alappuzha. Ponnani has been included to the group of non-major ports that are scheduled to undergo renovation this year. The previous budget allotted ₹39.20 crore to improve infrastructure, with an emphasis on transportation, cargo movement, and tourism growth.

Plans to implement the project with private sector participation are part of the ongoing efforts to develop Ponnani port. By giving the project to a private business, the emphasis is on constructing a ship terminal and overseeing operations while considering the potential for both cargo transportation and tourism. The financially feasible proposal has already been the subject of a detailed project report (DPR), and the tender procedure will start if interest is raised through an investment meeting. There is fresh optimism that the port development may materialize now that the project has been given consideration in this year’s budget.