About Rs.15 Cr will be spent for development of Beypore Port, informed Minister for Ports Ahammad Devarkovil. The initiative includes connecting the port to national highways. Work to improve the berth to enable traffic of bigger ships and to increase the depth of the channel have commenced.
Beypore is the second biggest port in the state with respect to the annual cargo and passenger throughput next to Cochin port. The port handles an average of 1.25 lakh tones of cargo and 10000 passengers annually mainly to and from Lakshadweep islands. Last year the Kerala government had set the ball rolling with the preparation of a blue print.
The ₹680-crore proposal is aimed at implementing a comprehensive package for Beypore, integrating multiple sectors including port and harbour development, responsible tourism and community development. Focus will also be given to dredging activities and establishment of an ocean training centre. Rail connectivity and a container terminal will be part of the package.
Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas, who represents Beypore Assembly constituency, Ports Minister Ahammad Devarkovil and Fisheries and Harbour Engineering Minister Saji Cherian visited the Beypore port. Mr. Cherian said steps would be taken to coordinate different departments for the purpose while Mr. Riyas said a master plan would be prepared after soliciting suggestions from the public. Mr. Devarkovil said further meetings would be held to execute the project in a time-bound manner. A committee led by District Collector Seeram Sambasiva Rao will be constituted to prepare the master plan.
