Kerala has proposed a Rs 29,500 crore infrastructure plan to transform the state into a global aviation and maritime logistics hub by integrating its four international airports with major seaports through a unified logistics and economic ecosystem. The proposal has been submitted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi by Chief Minister VD Satheesan, seeking central financial assistance.
The ambitious blueprint aims to strengthen Kerala's position in global supply chains by creating seamless air-sea connectivity, reducing logistics costs for exporters and importers, and developing world-class cargo infrastructure for sectors such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, electronics and e-commerce.
A key component of the proposal is the integration of the Vizhinjam International Seaport with Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, creating what the state envisions as South Asia's largest multimodal logistics gateway.
The government believes the project will reduce India's dependence on overseas transshipment hubs such as Singapore, Colombo and Dubai while strengthening the country's role in global maritime trade. The plan also includes facilities to position Vizhinjam as a global crew-change centre and establish advanced aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) clusters.
The proposal outlines a series of short-term projects to be completed over the next three to five years, including:
Rs 3,000 crore for bonded logistics corridors linking airports and ports, along with multimodal cargo facilities.
Rs 2,000 crore for land acquisition and project preparation for Kochi airport's second runway.
Rs 5,000 crore for the first phase of Kochi Aero City and Airport Economic Zone.
Rs 3,500 crore for Kannur airport expansion.
Rs 2,500 crore for runway safety improvements at Calicut International Airport.
Rs 4,000 crore for developing air cargo villages across the state.
For the five-to-ten-year period, the state has proposed:
Rs 5,000 crore for a wide-body aircraft MRO cluster.
Rs 2,500 crore for aviation training infrastructure.
Rs 3,000 crore for the Kerala Air Cargo and Export Competitiveness Mission.
Rs 2,000 crore to improve seaplane and cruise tourism connectivity.
Rs 6,500 crore for expanding airport economic zones and related business infrastructure.
The government plans to finance the projects through a combination of central government support, multilateral funding and public-private partnerships. Officials believe the integrated logistics network would strengthen Kerala's competitiveness in international trade, generate employment and support South India's emergence as a major logistics and supply chain hub.