The Kerala government’s flagship initiative to develop private industrial estates is showing signs of progress. Out of 33 such estates in various stages of completion across Kerala, three have been greenlit in Ernakulam district after official inspections, while two more are awaiting final approval.
According to Industries Minister P. Rajeeve, the approved estates in Ernakulam are located in Angamaly, Muvattupuzha, and Kothamangalam. Two have already been inaugurated, and at least one is expected to begin operations within the current term of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, though there’s no fixed timeline yet.
The scheme aims to bring roughly 350 acres of land under industrial use. “The minimum land required to apply for a licence is 10 acres,” the minister said. Interestingly, a standard factory can still be accommodated on as little as five acres. The estates must steer clear of ecologically sensitive zones, paddy fields, wetlands, and areas under coastal regulation.
The private industrial estates plan is among the more visible efforts to address Kerala’s land crunch for industrial growth. Though implemented now by the LDF, the idea was first floated during a previous United Democratic Front (UDF) regime. Technical and procedural hurdles delayed it from taking off earlier.
Kerala State Small Industries Association president A. Nizaruddeen called the move a “welcome step”, though he acknowledged that it took longer than expected. He also pointed out that the incentives currently being offered—up to ₹3 crore per estate—might not be enough to attract everyone but could still nudge more players to explore such projects.
The State currently has 33 private estates in the works, but not all have crossed the finish line yet. Progress appears cautious, but officials seem optimistic about its potential to unlock investment and create jobs. How many of these estates will be up and running before the next election cycle, however, remains to be seen.
