A video of the Sardar Vallabhai Patel Police Museum @ Kollam: India's first and only police museum

Kollam is fortunate to have gone to the annals of history to have the first Police Museum in India. It is an excellent initiative to conserve the architectural heritage of Kerala by adaptive reuse of a hundred year old inn, with four courtyards, which was used as a Police Station, has now become a center of Police History. The Museum exhibits the history of World Police, Indian Police and Kerala Police.

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Though, I have passed the Police museum location a hell lot of times, I have not visited the museum till now. I think people are bit scared to visit the museum as the museum is located in the East Police Station premesis.

This museum is unique of its kind in the city. There are only two museums in the city, the other being the Paramparya museum at Aashramam Tourist Village that showcases the traditional craft items of the district.^^

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Nice snaps. A better view of the highrises of the city can be enjoyed from the prayer hall of Bishop Jerome Nagar (BJN). The prayer hall is at the top most floor (8 or 9th floor, I guess) of BJN. I had the oppurtunity to view the gorgeous scenes of all the 4 sides of the city from the Prayer hall that is setup in such a way to get a better glimpse.

You can view the Arabian Sea, Beach Orchid Ecotel, Kollam Port and Thankasseri Light house from the Western side of the hall.

From the Northern side, you can get a clear view of the city commercial streets and the beautiful Ashtamudi lake as well.

From the eastern side you will get the gorgeous view of Ashtamudi Lake, Aashramam Tourist Village, Aashramam maidan and a distant view of the hills in the easter part of the district.

You can see the Kollam Junction railway station yard and the highrises in chinnakkada from the southern side of the prayer hall.

Maritime institute to come up at Neendakara

Staff Reporter

KOLLAM: A maritime institute of the State government will come up at the Neendakara port complex, Ports Minister M. Vijayakumar has said.

Talking to presspersons after inspecting the port complex on Saturday, Mr. Vijayakumar said the institute would be one among the two such institutes to be set up in the State.

The other one would be set up at Meencha panchayat in Kasaragod district. Ten acres of land from the Neendakara port would be allocated for the institute. The institute would conduct various vocational and professional courses meant for maritime jobs. He said it was at the initiative of Water Resource Minister N.K. Premachandran that Neendakara was chosen as the site for the institute. Mr. Premachandran was also present during the site inspection and media briefing.

LPG terminal
Mr. Vijayakumar said the government was seriously considering a proposal to establish a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) terminal at Neendakara port complex. The proposed terminal would be a storage and distribution centre to be housed in four acres within the complex.

Infrastructure development work for the Kollam port was progressing.


THE HINDU (http://www.hindu.com/2009/05/24/stories/2009052454720500.htm)

:cheers:

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The Madathil Business group's Reagent School of Hotel Management and the Casino Speciality Wedding Banquet Hall of Reagent Lake Palace Hotel will be inaugrated tomorrow (25th May 2009).

The Madathil Business group's Managing Director Madathil Reghu told the press that Reagent School of Hotel Management will give admission to 100 students in the same academic year.

The Reagent Lake Palace Hotel is located at Neendakara Parimanom, very near to the National Highway along the Arabian sea side. Ayurveda center, Beauti Parlour, 5 conference halls, Swimming pool, 4 restaurants including Sea Food Speciality Restaurant, 24-hour coffee shop, Multi Gymnasium, 24-hour doctor's service and tourist guides who know English and Arabic are the features of this hotel.

Madathil Business group is planning to start hotels at Kottiyam in Kollam district, Munnar and Trivandrum.

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Institute to come up at 10 acres of land out of the 17 acres available at Neendakara Port


Apart from the 17 acres of land available at the port, Neendakara port boasts 1800 sq. Km Gowdown and 4 barges that has a capacity of 200 tons.


The comprehensive development of the Neendakara port will happen through this project.


The maritine institute coming up in 10 acres of port land will give training to people who go for fishing to Engineers associated with ports.


Courses will be offered that relates to sectors concerned to sea traffic.


The work for starting the Maritime institute has already started
according to the minister.
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An LPG Terminal will be set up at the Neendakara Port premises according to port minister M Vijaya Kumar.


An area of 4 acres of the port will be allocated for this.


The LPG gas that comes by ship to Neendakara Port will be stored at the Neendakara terminal and distributed to other places. The gas that comes to Neendakara port wharf will be stored at a separate place. It will be distributed from there. Currently, all LPG gas comes from Cochin port.


This project will give employement to scores of people.
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A contract is signed with Kerala State Maritime Development Corporation to deepen the Kollam Port.

The depth is to be increased to 8 meteres for large ships to dock at Kollam port. An amount of 1.5 crores has been allotted for this process. The objective is to dredge the ship channel at the Port entrance and the front side of the wharf.

The dredging is expected to be completed within 4 months.

The Port road development work has also started. The sand from dredging will be used for the road development wherever sea recalmation is required.

Sea reclamation is required from Port Kollam to Jonakappuram. New fish landing centres and tender halls will be set up at the reclaimed land.

A amount of 4 crores is allotted for the port road. The 4-lane road will have median, footpaths on either side, drainage and street lights.

Already road construction has started at Vaddy side of the port where sea reclamation is not required. Gravelling of the road is already completed.

The road development will become fast once the sea reclamation is over.
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THE HINDU (http://www.hindu.com/2009/05/24/stories/2009052454720500.htm)

:cheers:

Great news that the port minister is giving focus to Neendakara Port.

Definitely, the Maritime Institute and the LPG Terminal will give employment to hundreds of people.

The Shakthikulangara harbour area can be used for industries related to marine and fishing.

It will also help the overall development of the city as well as the Neendakara - Shakthikulangara twin harbour area.:banana:

HI Reghu,...I feel the Palm land Apartments have come up very quickly,.. Thank god for their interest shown in Kollam

The Madathil Business group's Reagent School of Hotel Management and the Casino Speciality Wedding Banquet Hall of Reagent Lake Palace Hotel will be inaugrated tomorrow (25th May 2009).

The Madathil Business group's Managing Director Madathil Reghu told the press that Reagent School of Hotel Management will give admission to 100 students in the same academic year.

The Reagent Lake Palace Hotel is located at Neendakara Parimanom, very near to the National Highway along the Arabian sea side. Ayurveda center, Beauti Parlour, 5 conference halls, Swimming pool, 4 restaurants including Sea Food Speciality Restaurant, 24-hour coffee shop, Multi Gymnasium, 24-hour doctor's service and tourist guides who know English and Arabic are the features of this hotel.

Madathil Business group is planning to start hotels at Kottiyam in Kollam district, Munnar and Trivandrum.

Good hotel at a perfect location. Seems like Neendakara, the northern side of the city is seeing a pleathora of development projects.

Maritime Intitute, LPG Terminal, Reagent Lake Palace Hotel, Reagent School of Hotel Management, the Vattakayal Tourism project near Shakthikulangara..... sea and backwater related projects.

The Northern side of the city and the district is seeing a lot of marine and mineral related industries development while the Southern side of the district sees a hell lot of Hospitals and educational institutions mushrooming up.

As the western side is the coastal area, we could see the coastal road development progress at Kollam - Paravur stretch and Kollam Port is given life again by minister M Vijay Kumar's remarks.

Now the focus of development should divert to the eastern side of the city and the district. The district spreads accross the eastern side and this is the realtively not so developed area. The development of Kollam Techno Park at Kundara, the Kollam - Punalur BG conversion, Ashtamudi Tourism development and revival of Starch factory, Cyramics and Alind at Kundara industrial belt are very much required for the development of this part of the district.

Hope the new MPs of the district Peethambara Kuruppu and Kodikkunnil Suresh will give attention to these points. All the best for their endeavours.:banana:

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Reghu, the location shown below is where the new hockey stadium and sports complex is going to come up. You can see the Ashtamudi lake in front of the site and the KSRTC bus stand at the opposite side of the Ashtamudi lake banks. The Aashramam link road starts from the KSRTC bus stand and takes a semi circular path and passes the hockey stadium site near to Ashramam Tamarind Easy Hotel and joins the exisiting road near to Ashramam maidan.

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HI Reghu,...I feel the Palm land Apartments have come up very quickly,.. Thank god for their interest shown in Kollam

The project had started some two years back, I guess. Yes, a good number of builders are showing interest in the city as the city has beautiful locations and awesome potential to have excellent and serene water frontage Apartments and Villas.

There are ongoing or completed projects from Palm Land Developers, Artech Group, Crystal Group, Thathwamasy Properties, Sahya Developers, Vaidya builders and Kadayil Group.

Reghu, the location shown below is where the new hockey stadium and sports complex is going to come up. You can see the Ashtamudi lake in front of the site and the KSRTC bus stand at the opposite side of the Ashtamudi lake banks. The Aashramam link road starts from the KSRTC bus stand and takes a semi circular path and passes the hockey stadium site near to Ashramam Tamarind Easy Hotel and joins the exisiting road near to Ashramam maidan.

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Great snap, yaar. This is a very beautiful place with lush green grass and greenary. They should construct the stadium in such way to preserve the beauty and lanscape of the site. Since the stadium and sports complex is almost located at the brim of the lake, canowing, rowing and swimming facilities can also be set up.

As you mentioned, the Aashramam Link Road will become the main route to this site once the road construction is over. As per the planning, the road is designed to have beautiful footpaths at the brim of the lake with beautiful street lights and parks on the existing marshy land. Let's hope everything materializes as per planning.:banana:

If the proposed LPG Terminal at Neendakara Port becomes a reality, Gas will be imported to Kollam directly from Saudi Arabia and Aaramco. This gas can be used for industrial, domestic and auto gas purposes.

Currently, gas is imported to Vizag, Tuticorin, Kolkatta and Gujarath from Saudi Arabia and distributed to other places in India.

It will be a great boon for Kerala if the LPG Terminal at Neendkara becomes a reality. This will reduce the gas cost locally. The cochin based Auto Gas Energy India Limited company has taken the initiative to set up the Gas Terminal at Neendakara.

A terminal that has the capacity of 2000 to 4000 metric ton will be set up at Neendakara Port.:banana:

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Though, no ships have called at the Kollam Port for import or export, it is definitely the second largest port in Kerala after the Cochin Port, said minister M Vijaya Kumar.

The development of Kollam Cargo Port is being done on a time based manner. The minister was replying to the pressmen's query about the inaugration of Kollam Port being done without facilitating the basic infrastructure. The minister nullified the allegation stating the facts. He said Kollam Port is one of the 6 ports in Kerala that is going to be developed as major ports in future as per the government's plan. The government wants Kerala to become a port state.


He said the Kerala government alone has spent 25 crores for the development of Kollam port till now.


The decision regarding exporting and importing of goods from Kollam Port to Minicoy and Maldives will be taken this week.


The port depth will be increased from 6.5 metres to 7.5 metres. The dredging will start this week and an amount of 2 crores has been allotted for this.


The process for increasing the wharf length from 116 metres to 160 metres has started.


An amount of 4.5 crores is going to be spent for the development of the 4-lane road from Thankasserri to National Highway - 47. The work has already started.


Three cranes will be purchased shortly and a warehouse to the tune of Rs. 20 Lakhs will be constructed.


Electrification that cost 2.5 crores and Irrigation facilities to the tune of Rs. 55 lakhs have been completed.


Concreting the remaining 3 acres of yard will be completed shorlty, the minister said.

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If the proposed LPG Terminal at Neendakara Port becomes a reality, Gas will be imported to Kollam directly from Saudi Arabia and Aaramco. This gas can be used for industrial, domestic and auto gas purposes.

Currently, gas is imported to Vizag, Tuticorin, Kolkatta and Gujarath from Saudi Arabia and distributed to other places in India.

It will be a great boon for Kerala if the LPG Terminal at Neendkara becomes a reality. This will reduce the gas cost locally. The cochin based Auto Gas Energy India Limited company has taken the initiative to set up the Gas Terminal at Neendakara.

A terminal that has the capacity of 2000 to 4000 metric ton will be set up at Neendakara Port.:banana:


Reghu, I understand that the LPG will be brought from the mother ships that dock at the deep sea using big barges to the terminal at Neendakara port rather than the ships directly docking at Neendakara port. Since Kollam port is going to be a full fledged cargo port shortly, ships can dock at Thankasseri, and transport the LPG to Neendakara Terminal which is just 7 KMs from the Kollam cargo port.

This will give a good impetus to Kollam cargo port as well. I believe, the future plan may be like the one I have mentioned. Need to get more update about the project details.

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The work progress of the 3 crore corporation shopping complex and market proposed at Kadappakkada is going at a very slow pace.

A 5 storeyed building comprising of 70 stores and a modern fish market is the proposed project. The shopping complex was expected to get completed by 2006 and got delayed and delayed.

Only the initial piling has been completed till now. The exisiting market was
dismantled for the new shopping complex and market.This prompted the vendors to sell their products at the road side and the always busy Kadappakada area is getting chocked by this.
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The work progress of the 3 crore corporation shopping complex and market proposed at Kadappakkada is going at a very slow pace.

A 5 storeyed building comprising of 70 stores and a modern fish market is the proposed project. The shopping complex was expected to get completed by 2006 and got delayed and delayed.

Only the initial piling has been completed till now. The exisiting market was
dismantled for the new shopping complex and market.This prompted the vendors to sell their products at the road side and the always busy Kadappakada area is getting chocked by this.

Yaar, the Kadappakada Ayyappa Temple is located by the side of the proposed project site. The temple was reconstructed some 8 years ago as part of the junction development.

Now, since the temple is located at a prime location and the shopping complex is going to come up in between the temple and Swaralaya Open Air auditorium, it would be better if the authorities relocate the fish and meat market to some other place.

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The new Kollam MP Peethambara Kuruppu promised that the Kollam based Cashew Board will become a reality soon.

He also mentioned the need of a couple of Sainik schools and Kendriya Vidyalaya's at Kollam for quality education of the new generation.

More over bridges, completion of Kollam Bypass, NH-47 four laning from Cherthala to Kazhakootum, Ashtamudi Lake Tourism projects and preservation of the lake, Kollam - Punalur BG conversion and an IIT at Kollam are the other important projects in his list.

He requested the government to raise the MP fund to 7 crores from the exisiting 2 crores so that one crore each can be allotted for the development activities of each of the 7 assembly constituencies of the Lokh Sabha constituency.
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hi friends,

it's very sad that kollam does not come in the list of important stations in the indian railway website for searchindg accomodation availability in trains between important stations.


here is the link :
http://www.indianrail.gov.in/inet_metro_trns.html

but smaller stations like aluva, kottayam and alleppy r there!!!

do you guys know whom to contact to notify this.this is an insult to kollam.

hi friends,

it's very sad that kollam does not come in the list of important stations in the indian railway website for searchindg accomodation availability in trains between important stations.

here is the link :
http://www.indianrail.gov.in/inet_metro_trns.html

but smaller stations like aluva, kottayam and alleppy r there!!!

do you guys know whom to contact to notify this.this is an insult to kollam.

Yes.. I have noticed this some time back. As smaller stations like the one you have mentioned above figure in the list, it is high time they should put Kollam Junction's name in the list. Kollam Junction is one of the most important stations in Kerala and being a junction and future MEMU terminal the importance of this 105 year old big station is very relevant. Also, the Rajadhani Express does not have stop at Kollam, where it has stops at Shornur, Trichur and Kannur. The distance between Trichur and Shornur is mere 30 KMs where a Kollamaite has to travel 71 KMs south to Trivandrum or 142 KMs north to Ernakulam to board the train.

I think the blame should lie with the MPs from Kerala especially the previous MPs from Kollam. Once, I have sent an email to the previous Kollam MP regarding the stop for Rajadhani Express at Kollam. I did not see any reply or action even after 8 months. Hope the new Kollam MP will resolve both the issues. I think somebody should inform this to the new MP as he may not be aware of this.

By the way, Navjot, welcome to Kollam thread. Hope you will post regarding the new projects upcoming and ongoing in Kollam. Please update us with the new real estate projects in Kollam.

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Navagraha Premium Apartment is located @ Mundakkal East, Kollam

The first ESI (Employer Sponsored Insurance) Super Speciality Hospital in India - ESI Model Hospital at Aashramam in Kollam city.

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Work is in progress for the proposed ESI Medical College Hospital at Paripally, Kollam

The ultra modern Hyundai Motors Showroom is located at Kallumthazham Junction near the Kollam Bypass road. The one lakh square feet showroom with '3 - S' system is named as St. Antonys Hyundai.
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Great news that the port minister is giving focus to Neendakara Port.

Definitely, the Maritime Institute and the LPG Terminal will give employment to hundreds of people.

The Shakthikulangara harbour area can be used for industries related to marine and fishing.

It will also help the overall development of the city as well as the Neendakara - Shakthikulangara twin harbour area.:banana:

Yaar, you are absolutely right that minister M Vijaya Kumar is giving focus to the ports in Kollam. Kollam is the only place in Kerala where there are two ports at a distance of mere 7 Kms one being a twin harbour. We should appreciate minister NK Premachandran's effort in reviving the Neendakara cargo port.
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The first ESI (Employer Sponsored Insurance) Super Speciality Hospital in India - ESI Model Hospital at Aashramam in Kollam city.

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Work is in progress for the proposed ESI Medical College Hospital at Paripally, Kollam

A beautifully located hospital at the banks of the Ashtamudi lake at Aashramam very near to the famous Aashramam Sree Krishna Swamy Temple. I have seen this hospital when I visited the Sree Krishna Swamy Temple a year back. The place is very calm and serene except the Kollam Pooram days. The Inland Waterway Kollam Cargo Terminal is proposed very near to the hospital at the Ashtamudi Lake banks. I do not know about the work progress of the Inland Waterway Kollam Cargo Terminal, though, the proposal came 3 to 4 years back.

The Ombudsman has ordered the civic authorities to plant 400 tree saplings on world environment day (June 5) at Aashramam where 134 trees have been axed for the Aashramam - Kappalandimukku road development.
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Reghu, the NH 208 should be developed as a 4-laner as it is the most important road after NH-47 and NH-17.

The 4-laning or widening compared to the existing width is very much required for NH-208 atleast from Chinnakkada Junction to the Kollam Bypass junction at Kallunthazham as the existing road is very narrow, not even satisfying the standard for 2-lane roads especially at the curves in the stretch. The four laning of this stretch is required for the development of the city as well as the region.

Yaar, it seems like the governmenmt has taken the preliminary steps in this regard. The Kollam - Thirumangalam stretch 4-laning possibility survey will be conducted soon. It is a good sign for Kollam. Now both the Kollam and Mavelikkara MPs should consolidate their efforts to materialize the project.:banana:
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The Ombudsman has ordered the civic authorities to plant 400 tree saplings on world environment day (June 5) at Aashramam where 134 trees have been axed for the Aashramam - Kappalandimukku road development.
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Good decision. :cheers:

Yaar, it seems like the governmenmt has taken the preliminary steps in this regard. The Kollam - Thirumangalam stretch 4-laning possibility survey will be conducted soon. It is a good sign for Kollam. Now both the Kollam and Mavelikkara MPs should consolidate their efforts to materialize the project.:banana:


The repair works of NH - 208 especially near the Tamil Nadu border area is completed and is ready to open for traffic after a long gap.

Work on NH 208 over

KOLLAM: The Punalur-Kottavasal course of the National Highway 208 that remained closed for repairs since December 1 will be formally reopened for traffic by the Public Works Minister at Punalur on June 2.

Assistant Executive Engineer (National Highways) P. Pushparajan told The Hindu that the whole work was completed and after the inauguration, heavy vehicle traffic would be permitted. KRTC bus services to Tamil Nadu would be resumed through the route.

He said the work was carried out in two phases. The first phase was the 16-km stretch from Thenmala to Kottavasal. The whole stretch had to be reconstructed since it was in a bad condition. The 22-km Thenmala-Punalur stretch had to be only resurfaced. When the Punalur-Kottavasal stretch was closed, the S-bend stretch of the highway in Tamil Nadu was also closed for widening and concreting. That work was completed in April.

The 195-km high way links Kollam to Thirumangalam in Tamil Nadu.

Courtesy - The Hindu

The fortune Big Bazaar group operations mananger Mahesh and HR manager Anil has said that the Big Bazaar group is planning to start an outlet at Polayathode in Kollam shortly.

News that came in Deepika a couple of months back:

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The prospects of Kollam Cashew Board blossoms with 6 ministers from Kerala at the centre and initiatives by the new Kollam MP Peethambara Kuruppu.:banana:

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This is bull shit reporting. Deepika have shown that they too are dumb ass! How can an actual photo become a 'Rooparekha' or rendering??

The photo is of 'Gayathri' building in Technopark, Trivandrum, where Tata Elxsi is housed. It is also an old photo, might have taken during the time of its inauguration, in 2002

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^^ hahaha... words fail me!:ohno:
Who is taking up these morons as journos? They need a kick in the backside...

This is bull shit reporting. Deepika have shown that they too are dumb ass! How can an actual photo become a 'Rooparekha' or rendering??

The photo is of 'Gayathri' building in Technopark, Trivandrum, where Tata Elxsi is housed. It is also an old photo, might have taken during the time of its inauguration, in 2002

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Sudheesh, you are correct. They should have been careful in this regard.

The prospects of Kollam Cashew Board blossoms with 6 ministers from Kerala at the centre and initiatives by the new Kollam MP Peethambara Kuruppu.:banana:

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We should not forget Mr. A.K. Antony's efforts as he strived hard to make the Prime minister and other officials understand the importance of Cashew Board in Kerala. It was almost like snatching it from the mouth of Maharashtra as Mr. Sharad Pawar played a slogging innings offlate to take it to Maharashtra.

Now as we have 16 representatives, 2 cabinet minsters and 4 state ministers, I do not think anybody can question the rights of Kollam headquartering the prestigious Cashew Board.

The Cashew Board is aimed at the development and plantation of cashew trees in India, import and export of cashews and realted products from India and other research and innovation programs regarding cashew products as well as enhancing the quality of cashew products.

The institution of Kollam Cashew Board along with the full fledged Kollam Cargo Port will make Kollam an international centre for cashew import and export as well as great trading centre.

The Kollam Cashew Board and Kollam Cargo Port will truly put Kollam again in the world trading map and will be the right fillip and impetus to regain its past glory.

Now, lets keep our fingures crossed. It is just a matter of time.:banana:

There are 7 companies who crossed the 100 crore profit mark with Chavara KMML (Kerala Minerals and Metals Limited) topping the list.

The top 3 companies are:

1. KMML Chavara, Kollam - 487.7 crores (70.84 crores net profit)
2. Malabar Cements - 252.8 cores (43.7 crores net profit)
3. TELK Angamali - 234 crores (36 crores net profit)

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The long wait is over. 1.5 years after the inaugration of Kollam Cargo port, the preliminary procedures regarding ship traffic from the port to Lakshadeep islands have been initiated. The important information in this regard are:

The initial steps regarding export of stationary goods to Lakshadeep islands have been taken. The Lakshadeep administrator Selvaraj has given the intimation regarding this to the Kollam Port Special Officer Sheikh Pareeth.

Besides goods export to Lakshadeep islands, Marble, Tiles and Cement from Gujarat ports will be imported to Kollam Port.

Minicoy island which is just 400 Kms away from Kollam will import goods bundle which is of 10000 ton from Kollam Port.

The export and import using big ships are not possible with the existing infrastrucuture. A depth of 9 metres is required for big ships to dock at Kollam port. It will take time to provide the infrastrucuture for docking facilities for big ships at Kollam.

The exisiting 7 metre depth will be increased to 10 metres by dredging the port area in the next phase. This will enable big ships to dock at Kollam.

Moreover a wharf lenght of 200 metres is required for big ships while the existing wharf length is just 116 metres.

The exisiting cranes have the capacity to load and unload containers having less than 10000 tons only. For handling big containers, crane worth 15 crores is required. There is no fund for that now.

Since the exisiting warehouses are inadequate for the goods storage, a modern warehouse is been constructed and an amount of 80 lakhs has been spent so far. The yard construction work is almost over.

The 1.6 KM road from the port to National Highway - 47 is also under construcution. This will be a 4-lane road.

Though, Kollam Port is a Custom's port, the custom's office has not functioned in full swing. The office will start functioning in full swing once the ships start to dock at the port.
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Railways has allotted 14 crores of rupees for the revival and renovation of the Karunagapally - Chavara Titanium Railway Line which has not been used for the last 14 years.

The railway line which starts from Karunagapally Railway station and ends at Chavara Titanium complex is of 13.5 Kms length. The railway line is passing through the densely populated area and is in a dilapidated state.

The line which was laid for importing raw materials to Titanium complex at Chavara especially coal wagons. Later when the company started using Furnace oil, the line was not used and ingnored.

Now this railway line is going to be renovated and will be electrified as per railway offiicials.

The line is very important for Neendakara Port as it can be extended to the LPG Terminal site later which is just 4 - 5 Kms from Titanium complex.^^

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The court order has come in favour of the land acquisition at Mayyanad for construction of flats for rehabilitation of people residing at the banks of Kollam canal, minister PK Gurudasan said.

The government is planning to give the flat construction responsibility to QSS (Quilon Social Service).

The Kollam - Paravur coastal road reconstruction will be completed in 6 months. 12 grovins will be installed near to the road to resist sea wave attack.
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There are 7 companies who crossed the 100 crore profit mark with Chavara KMML (Kerala Minerals and Metals Limited) topping the list.

The top 3 companies are:

1. KMML Chavara, Kollam - 487.7 crores (70.84 crores net profit)
2. Malabar Cements - 252.8 cores (43.7 crores net profit)
3. TELK Angamali - 234 crores (36 crores net profit)


KMML, IRE and the upcoming Titanium Sponge Plant will make chavara the biggest income earning area in Kerala once the new plant becomes operational. With the Neendakara port going to house the LPG Terminal, Chavara is going to become Kollam's industrial capital replacing Kundara.

Titanium sponge plant to come up in Kollam

State government-owned Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation Ltd has chalked out a plan to set up a titanium complex consisting of a 10,000-tpa titanium sponge plant, titanium metal, alloy components and downstream products.

The project will come up on land adjacent to an existing factory of Kerala Minerals and Metals Ltd at Chavara in Kollam district.

KSIDC recently invited expressions of interest from companies for associating with the Kerala government as a strategic partner. The government will hold a minimum 26 per cent stake in this project.

Karma Chandran, GM and in-charge of the project, could not give the exact cost as it was the first such mega titanium project in the country. However, he said that a project of this size may cost anywhere between Rs 1,000 crore to Rs 1,500 crore.

Titanium tetrachloride, the raw material for sponge, would be arranged by KSIDC at market price from Kerala Minerals and Metals Ltd, a state-owned company. The government will arrange infrastructure facilities such as land, power and water, and will facilitate regulatory clearances, Chandran added.

It may be noted that KMML was in the process of setting up a 500-tpa titanium sponge plant on 15 acres at Chavara in Kollam district. This project is being implemented in collaboration with Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre at a cost of Rs 95 crore, funded by VSSC since the end-product is meant for them. "The project is progressing as per plan and is scheduled for completion by this year-end," the KSIDC official said.

Titanium, known for its excellent corrosion resistance, high strength and low density, is widely used for aero-engine and airframe structures in both civilian and military aircraft. Titanium-alloy components also find applications in satellite launch vehicles, rockets and missiles. Titanium is extracted in the form of titanium sponge from its oxide minerals through magnesium reduction of its chloride intermediate. However, the sponge production process is complex and cumbersome. Technical knowhow for the production of titanium sponge has so far been available with a select group of developed countries comprising Japan, USA, CIS, UK and China. As of now, India's total titanium requirement is being met by imports even though it possesses a large reserve base of titanium minerals.

The KSDIC official pointed out that Kerala was the only state with possibilities of setting up titanium projects, besides Tamil Nadu where a similar project was stalled recently due to protests from locals. "From beach sand Ilmenite is produced and from Ilmenite titanium tetrachloride (TT) is produced and finally from TT downstream products such as titanium sponge can be produced," the official explained, adding that these special products found application in aerospace and aviation industry

Courtesy - Project Monitor

The rail developments in Tamil Nadu is going at a fast pace while most of the rail development projects in Kerala are going at a snails pace. The is clearly evident by seeing the work progress of the BG conversion of Kollam - Scencottah section.

While most of the MG section in Tamil Nadu is converted into BG, the Kollam - Scencottah BG conversion that started much before some of the Tamil Nadu BG conversion works is still no where. Here are some points for the new ministers and MPs to ponder about:

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The Mavelikkara MP Kodikunnil Suresh has assured that he will put all efforts to expedite the Kollam - Punalur braud gauge conversion completion. He has discussed with the Railway official Rajesh Chopra in this regard the previous day.

The the state governments divident fund for the construction of Kottarakkara railway overbridge is not handed over and this causes the delay of the work completion. Mr. Rajesh Chopra has promised that if this issue is resolved, the BG conversion will be completed within one month.
Mr. Kodikunnil Suresh assured that he will visit the railway ministers and take necessary steps for completing the Kollam - Punalur BG conversion.
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The Archiological department has started the renovation of the Punalur Hanging Bridge that has been closed for the public. They have removed the banyan tree saplings that have grown in the bridge. The process of replacing the damaged wooden planks are going on.
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KOLLAM: Mayor N. Padmalochanan on Monday launched a ‘dial a city’ helpline service in Kollam. The service will be available on telephone number 6544544 and the web site: www.dialacity.com (http://kollam.dialacity.com/?Index=2). In addition to getting telephone numbers and other information about the various organisations in Kollam, enquiries for purchases and courses could also be made.
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The Punalur Kottavasal stretch of the NH-208 will be opened afternoon today after being closed for renovatiobn in november 2008.The function will be attended by minister Mons Joseph,Kollam MP Peethambara kurup,former MP C Surendran,Punalur MLA K Raju and other dignitaries.


KSRTC and TNSTC authorities stated that all the interstate services will be resumed from today evening itself.Kollam depot authorities said that the night 10.30 Madurai bus will also start operating from today itself.

The Punalur Kottavasal stretch of the NH-208 will be opened afternoon today after being closed for renovatiobn in november 2008.The function will be attended by minister Mons Joseph,Kollam MP Peethambara kurup,former MP C Surendran,Punalur MLA K Raju and other dignitaries.


KSRTC and TNSTC authorities stated that all the interstate services will be resumed from today evening itself.Kollam depot authorities said that the night 10.30 Madurai bus will also start operating from today itself.

Greats news, yaar. The traffic is going to get eased after a gap of 6 months. It is imperative that the rail traffic in this stretch to be converted to BG as soon as possible. The Punalur - Schencottah MG line will be closed shortly for BG conversion once the Kollam - Punalur BG conversion is over. This may be completed before Onam.
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Navjot, please post and update us about the latest developments in real estate, apartment projects and commercial shopping malls in and around Kollam city. Currently, there are no forummers in this thread based in Kollam. You can make this thread more active by posting news related to high rise projects in Kollam.

KOLLAM: If the right marketing strategies could be employed, Indian cashew kernels have tremendous potential in the hitherto untapped markets of China, said K.A. Ratheesh, Managing Director of the public sector Kerala State Cashew Development Corporation (KSCDC).

Dr. Ratheesh was talking to The Hindu on his return from China after a ten-day trip to explore the market for Indian cashew kernels there. He was accompanied by KSCDC Chairman E. Kasim and representatives from the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), a wing of the Union Ministry of Commerce.

Study project

The trip was part of a study project entrusted to the IIFT by the KSCDC to explore new global markets for KSCDC products.

Dr. Ratheesh said though the Kollam-based cashew industry of the country was almost 90 years old, it still had only two noteworthy international markets – the United States and Europe. At the initiative of the KSCDC, attempts were being made to tap other markets.

He said China offered good possibilities. Chinese super markets now sold kernels imported from Vietnam.

Many of the markets were not even aware that India was the major cashew kernel exporter.

Dr. Ratheesh said the Chinese importers were highly impressed by the quality of the KSCDC kernels and value-added products shown to them. Major importers had expressed keen interest in the KSCDC products.

The China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Food Stuff had assured support for the products.

The Indian Embassy had promised to help the business with China.

Vietnam factor

At present, it would be difficult to compete with Vietnam since China offered it many tariff advantages.

India could profit from the Chinese market only if such advantages were granted to it also. The Union Ministry of Commerce should negotiate for the same, he said.

The KSCDC is the only cashew processor to manufacture cashew kernel value-added products. There are four such products – cashew soup, vita, powder and bits. They are innovative products developed by the Central Food Technological Research Institute for the KSCDC.

Courtesy - The Hindu

The rail developments in Tamil Nadu is going at a fast pace while most of the rail development projects in Kerala are going at a snails pace. The is clearly evident by seeing the work progress of the BG conversion of Kollam - Scencottah section.

While most of the MG section in Tamil Nadu is converted into BG, the Kollam - Scencottah BG conversion that started much before some of the Tamil Nadu BG conversion works is still no where. Here are some points for the new ministers and MPs to ponder about:


Absolutely correct. The lobbying and partiality is evident by seeing the progress of BG conversion works itself in Tamil Nadu. The Kollam - Schencottha BG conversion proposal came along with conversion works in Tamil Nadu. The Kollam - Punalur MG route has been closed for BG conversion since April 2007, though the work which was supposed to get completed in 6 months is still not completed. On the contrary the BG conversion work is almost completed in Tamil Nadu where the work progress and allocation of funds happen regularly and sufficiently. Now, even if the Kollam - Punalur section is completed, there is no guarantee when the Punalur - Schencottah work will be completed. Moreover, the railway stations in the Kollam - Schencottah stretch are not of the BG standard. They are very small and do not have enough infrastrucuture and amenities.

The new ministers from Kerala and the MPs should combine their efforts to secure the rights of Kerala in this regard.

The long wait is over. 1.5 years after the inaugration of Kollam Cargo port, the preliminary procedures regarding ship traffic from the port to Lakshadeep islands have been initiated. The important information in this regard are:

The initial steps regarding export of stationary goods to Lakshadeep islands have been taken. The Lakshadeep administrator Selvaraj has given the intimation regarding this to the Kollam Port Special Officer Sheikh Pareeth.

Besides goods export to Lakshadeep islands, Marble, Tiles and Cement from Gujarat ports will be imported to Kollam Port.

Minicoy island which is just 400 Kms away from Kollam will import goods bundle which is of 10000 ton from Kollam Port.

The export and import using big ships are not possible with the existing infrastrucuture. A depth of 9 metres is required for big ships to dock at Kollam port. It will take time to provide the infrastrucuture for docking facilities for big ships at Kollam.

The exisiting 7 metre depth will be increased to 10 metres by dredging the port area in the next phase. This will enable big ships to dock at Kollam.

Moreover a wharf lenght of 200 metres is required for big ships while the existing wharf length is just 116 metres.

The exisiting cranes have the capacity to load and unload containers having less than 10000 tons only. For handling big containers, crane worth 15 crores is required. There is no fund for that now.

Since the exisiting warehouses are inadequate for the goods storage, a modern warehouse is been constructed and an amount of 80 lakhs has been spent so far. The yard construction work is almost over.

The 1.6 KM road from the port to National Highway - 47 is also under construcution. This will be a 4-lane road.

Though, Kollam Port is a Custom's port, the custom's office has not functioned in full swing. The office will start functioning in full swing once the ships start to dock at the port.


Great to see the plans, yaar. It is evident that there is enough space for the extension of the wharf to even 300 metres as the length of the short break- water is 500 metres. Moreover, the long breakwater which is around 2.5 KMs can also be used for wharf construction as this part is idle now. There is ample space for a good cargo port in Thankasseri region of Kollam port. Now everything depends on the initiatives of the concerned ministers and representatives of the region.

As I have already mentioned in one of my previous posts, Thankasseri port and Neendakara port can be developed in conjunction. The LPG terminal that is going to come up Neendakara Port site can utilize the Kollam (Thankasseri) port for cargo handling. The LPG can be brought to Thankasseri port and later send it to Neendakara in barges or small ships just 5 - 7 Kms away from Kollam Port.

Neendakara can be developed into a good cargo port once the wharf and break-water extension is completed. The existing wharf in Neendakara is very small for ships to dock at.

The complementary developments of the 2 ports will help the overall development of both the ports and the stretch between the two ports as well. Hope minister Vijaya Kumar will take a good and wise decision in this regard.

Railways has allotted 14 crores of rupees for the revival and renovation of the Karunagapally - Chavara Titanium Railway Line which has not been used for the last 14 years.

The railway line which starts from Karunagapally Railway station and ends at Chavara Titanium complex is of 13.5 Kms length. The railway line is passing through the densely populated area and is in a dilapidated state.

The line which was laid for importing raw materials to Titanium complex at Chavara especially coal wagons. Later when the company started using Furnace oil, the line was not used and ingnored.

Now this railway line is going to be renovated and will be electrified as per railway offiicials.

The line is very important for Neendakara Port as it can be extended to the LPG Terminal site later which is just 4 - 5 Kms from Titanium complex.^^


You are correct Reghu. I have a suggestion that the line should be extended to Kollam Port and can be connected to the Kollam Junction railway station. I know this may not be practical as it has to go through the densely populated city areas. But it can definitely be extended to Neendakara Port along the coastal region.

The apartment construction for rehabilitating the people residing on the banks of TS canal is in progress. A total of 520 houses are constructed at Paravoor using the Tsunami rehabilitation scheme. The flats are coming up at Pookkulam (248) and Kallumkunnil (272).

The construction is undertaken by the Habitat Technology Group based in Trivandrum. People selected from Paravoor, Kottappuram, Mayyanad, Eravipuram and Kollam TS canal side will be rehabilitated under this scheme.

Once the people are rehabilitated, the Kollam TS canal can be widened and cleaned as per National Waterway - 3 expansion plan from Kollam to Kovalam.

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The Kollam - Paravur coastal road reconstruction will be completed in 6 months. 12 grovins will be installed near to the road to resist sea wave attack.
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This road is in a dilapidated condition due to sea wave attacks. The effort is commendable to revive the coastal raod which may change the Kollam - Paravoor stretch into a Tourism Corridor in future with more resorts in the Kollam - Paravoor - Varkala stretch. A snap of the coastal road in the Kollam - Varkala stretch:

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Pic courtesy - Manoj

^^ - Nice to see a set of new projects for Kollam in the maritime and tourism infrastructure sectors. I hope the new MP will take the lead in developing the district and the city! :okay:

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The Kollam - Punalur section of the NH - 208 will be renovated this year itself at a cost of 19 crores, said PWD minister Monce Joseph.

The bridges at Punalur, Kazhuthurutty and Muriyanpanjaal will be renovated as well.
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Nice to hear that the Ombudsman is very strict and firm on the number of trees and the timelines for planting the tree saplings. This road will definitely become an avenue road like the Kowadiar road in Trivandrum in future with the gigantic Aashramam Maidan on one side. Hope the upcoming projects in Kollam may not fell too many trees and disturb the backwater habitats.^^

The delay in land acquisition for NH - 47 four laning is affecting the project itself.
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The importance of Paravoor - Mayyanad bridge over the Paravoor lake is more relavant now.The new bridge can reduce the distance, time and fuel.

Currently, people from the southern coast of Kollam district go to Kollam city by the route Paripally - Chathanoor - Kottiyam - Kollam city.

After the bridge becomes a reality, people can go by the Paravur - Mayyanad - Kollam city route thereby reducing 13 KMs of travel to the city.

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Minister Mons Joseph mentioned that Kollam Bypass completion will be given priority. He was commenting regarding the High court order to complete the Kollam and Allapuzha bypasses within 4 months.

He said Kollam Bypass can be be completed soon as the land acquisition had happend 30 years before.

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^^ Hope this is a new beginning. Wish this airstrip to mature into a satellite airport of TIA

^^ Hope this is a new beginning. Wish this airstrip to mature into a satellite airport of TIA

The decision has not been taken yet. Since Ashramam is very much in the heart to the city and a highly tourist potential area with lot of institutions and organizations surrounded by, the visiting team has to take account of all these facts before reaching a final decision. Please note that Ashramam maidan was the first Airport in Kerala and it was closed down in 1936 after an air-craft accident at the maidan.

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The level survey prior to the BG conversion of the Punalur - Schencotta stretch has begun. The Kollam - Punalur BG conversion still goes at a snail's pace as BG tracks to be laid along another four kilometres near to Kottarakkara railway station. Moreover, the Punalur station renovation and yard renovation are no where.

The only hope in this regard is that Kodikkunnil Suresh MP has met and discussed the matter with the concerned railway officials in New Delhi. The Kollam MP Peethambara Kuruppu has promised that he will bring the issue in front of the railway ministry.

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This is a very amazing scene that we see while we travel to Courtalam waterfalls, Shenkottah & Thenkasi either from Quilon or Trivandrum via the Aryankave Mountain Pass.

But I have a small doubt.

"Iniyethra Naal Eee Kaazhcha'?

Will this landmark be there, even after the Gauge conversion?

I wish, let them do not demolish this.

Cheers
Jals

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Jameel Bhai, do not worry. They are not going to demolish this bridge. They are planning to have the BG line over the exisiting bridge itself by strengthening it. The Punalur - Schencottah level survey has started prior to the BG conversion of this stretch. As you have mentioned, the travel through this beautiful stretch is mind bogling. The railway authorities should preserve all this wonderful strucutres and natural scenaries.

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It is a great news. Small fights can land at Aashramam maidan in the city. The aviation academy can give training to their pilots here. As one of the biggest open space in Kerala city limits, Aashramam maidan is been used for Para sailing training, big melas, helicopter landing and other big and great events. This will be a great attraction as far as the Aashrmam is concerned as it is hub of tourism activities in Kollam district.

66 grama panchayats bagged sanitation awards

9 of the 13 block panchayats bagged the Nirmal Gram Puraskar instituted by the Government of India

District programme launched in January 2001

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The Railway passengers association has urged the state government to call a meeting of MPs for discusing the railway budget proposals for Kerala.

The association has requested that this time we should secure a separate railway zone for Kerala, completion of Ernakulam - Kottayam/Alleppy - Kayamkulam doubling, Kollam - Schencottah BG conversion completion, Palakkad - Pollachi gauge conversion completion and MEMU train service commencement.

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The railway authorities have declared that the Kollam - Punalur BG conversion will be completed by the end of February 2010 citing the pending works at Kottarakkara Mailom Overbridge and yard renovation works at Punalur railway station.

Mr. Kodikunnil MP has visited the concerned locations along with railway officials to see the issues that delay the work progress.

Kodikunnil has said that he will meet the railway minister with the other MPs from Kerala to expedite the work progress and complete the BG conversion and commissioning by this year itself.^^

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The railway authorities have declared that the Kollam - Punalur BG conversion will be completed by the end of February 2010 citing the pending works at Kottarakkara Mailom Overbridge and yard renovation works at Punalur railway station.

Mr. Kodikunnil MP has visited the concerned locations along with railway officials to see the issues that delay the work progress.

Kodikunnil has said that he will meet the railway minister with the other MPs from Kerala to expedite the work progress and complete the BG conversion and commissioning by this year itself.^^


It is quite ridiculous as the date is deferred again. The lack of responsibility from the state government as well as the railway authority is evident from this time and time again postponement of commissioning date. The Kollam - Punalur stretch was supposed to be inaugrated by March 2009.

The authorities are not understanding the difficulties of thousands of commuters in this stretch including students and office goers.

As our MP Mr. Kodikunnil Suresh has mentioned, all the MPs, ministers and MLAs should exert pressure at the railway ministry to get the work and commissioning done by this year itself.

Moreover, the MEMU Base Terminal at Kollam and the MEMU Service from Kollam should be commissioned by this year itself. Priority has to be given for the Punalur - Schencotta BG conversion as this route will help the Sabarimala pilgrims from Tamil Nadu and ease the pilgrim passenger congestion in the Pallakkad - Kollam section.

Kodikkunnil is showing great interest in the railway developments in the district and exerts pressure on the concerned authorities as well. Hope the Kollam MP Peethambara Kuruppu also chips in with his efforts in this regard.

The railway authorities have declared that the Kollam - Punalur BG conversion will be completed by the end of February 2010 citing the pending works at Kottarakkara Mailom Overbridge and yard renovation works at Punalur railway station.

Mr. Kodikunnil MP has visited the concerned locations along with railway officials to see the issues that delay the work progress.

Kodikunnil has said that he will meet the railway minister with the other MPs from Kerala to expedite the work progress and complete the BG conversion and commissioning by this year itself.^^

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bad news that we have to wait till feb 2010 for seeing a bg train b/w kollam n punalur...taking 3 years to complete conversion of a mere 45 km stretch.....this shows the lack of responsibility of the govt and the authorities.....i hope the punalur-sengottai stretch doesnt have to suffer the same fate n that the conversion in this stretch takes place at brisk pace.......moreover stations like kottarakkara kundara etc are yet to be upgraded to bg ststus.....moreover more amenites have to be developed in these stations as the crowd may increase

it is sad that kollam,one of the most important cities in kerala , has only a very few super fast schedules to its name.......there are no long distance super fast services from kollam.......but smaller towns like kayamkulam have a lot of long distance services operating from the ksrtc depot there...................With the renovation of punalur kottavasal stretch of nh 208...ksrtc could operate more interstate services to madurai and tirunelveli.a daily bus to chennai and nagore via nh 208, is also feasible

This road is in a dilapidated condition due to sea wave attacks. The effort is commendable to revive the coastal raod which may change the Kollam - Paravoor stretch into a Tourism Corridor in future with more resorts in the Kollam - Paravoor - Varkala stretch. A snap of the coastal road in the Kollam - Varkala stretch:

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Pic courtesy - Manoj

Quilonjee, please also post the picture thats shows the sea on one side and the backwaters on the otherside of the road. If possible, also include a train that passes across the backwater. Such a scene is very rare in Kerala.

Expect minimum 5 years, if not more for the gauge converison of Punalur-Shencottah which is a ghat section with several tunnels. Kollam-Punalur stretch is comparatively cakewalk as it is on midlands, with no major bridges too. I am not sure how long it will take to construct the bridge across Kallada River at Punalur town.

i hope the punalur-sengottai stretch doesnt have to suffer the same fate n that the conversion in this stretch takes place at brisk pace.

bad news that we have to wait till feb 2010 for seeing a bg train b/w kollam n punalur...taking 3 years to complete conversion of a mere 45 km stretch.....this shows the lack of responsibility of the govt and the authorities.....i hope the punalur-sengottai stretch doesnt have to suffer the same fate n that the conversion in this stretch takes place at brisk pace.......moreover stations like kottarakkara kundara etc are yet to be upgraded to bg ststus.....moreover more amenites have to be developed in these stations as the crowd may increase

Navjot, I agree with your points. It is total negligence and cold storage attitude by the authorities that has delayed the commissioning. The mere 45 KMs stretch could have been completed in just 6 months. It should have been comparitively easier than a new line laying itself. There is the old MG line, and the land acquisition and construction of overbridges and approach roads were the other works. Instead of completing the works, there were arguments with the state governement as well land aquisition related issues, all put together delayed this most important railway project of Kollam district for almost 3 years. We are not sure when this will get completed.:bash:

There is no excuse for the authorities if they could not finish this work within this year. I stongly believe the people of Kollam should come forward and protest against this negligence and lack of responsibily of the authorities.

As you have mentioned, the important railway stations in this stretch like Kundara and Kottarakkara should be provided with proper infrastructure and amenities like any other BG status station. The platform length, rest room facilities and reservation centres should be improved. Since Kilikollur station is at Karicode in the city with lot of educational institutions around, the station should have more facilities and importance and can be renamed as Kollam East station.

it is sad that kollam,one of the most important cities in kerala , has only a very few super fast schedules to its name.......there are no long distance super fast services from kollam.......but smaller towns like kayamkulam have a lot of long distance services operating from the ksrtc depot there...................With the renovation of punalur kottavasal stretch of nh 208...ksrtc could operate more interstate services to madurai and tirunelveli.a daily bus to chennai and nagore via nh 208, is also feasible

You are correct. There are very few long trip buses from Kollam KSRTC bus stand to distant destinations, while there are a lot of long distance buses from Kottarakkara KSRTC bus stand (the biggest KSRTC bus stand in Kerala area wise.) I believe for the authorities the long distance trip from Kollam ends up at Thrissur as there are a couple of services to Trissur that start from Kollam.

It is good (thanks to Balakrishna Pillai and Ganesh Kumar) at least there are enough buses from Kottarakkara to distant locations.

Kollam KSRTC Bus Station:

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A snap of Kottarkara KSRTC Bus Station:

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Quilonjee, please also post the picture thats shows the sea on one side and the backwaters on the otherside of the road. If possible, also include a train that passes across the backwater. Such a scene is very rare in Kerala.

Jaleel Bhai, I think you are mentioning about the Paravur section. Right? I think there are a couple of snaps in the Kollam backwaters thread.

Here are a couple of snaps which may come close to your expectation:

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Picture Courtesy - Suresh

Expect minimum 5 years, if not more for the gauge converison of Punalur-Shencottah which is a ghat section with several tunnels. Kollam-Punalur stretch is comparatively cakewalk as it is on midlands, with no major bridges too. I am not sure how long it will take to construct the bridge across Kallada River at Punalur town.

Sudheesh, they are planning to lay the BG track in the same MG stretch except deviating a few locations. The existing tunnels and bridges will be retained and strengthened if it is possible as per the railway officials. No clear information regarding how it is done.:nuts:

There was a proposal to retain the MG line from Punalur to Schencotta as a heritage hill railway type route like that in Nilgris, Darjling and Shimla. But then the cost of the new BG route will be a whopping amount.

I do not know what happend to that idea. I personally feel atleast some stretch of the MG section should be retained especially from Thenmala to Scehncotta. It will be a great attraction and cynosure for the tourists who come to Thenmala, Kuttalam and Palaruvi destinations.

This magnificent mazjid at Karunagapally resembles the famous Taj Mahal in Agra

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At night:

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A close snap:

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Picture Courtesy: Hasheem Hameed and Elayidom

^^Please do not assume that the proposal was to retain the Metre gauge and construct a new BG line. The idea was to leave the Punalur-Shencottah line as such, on the pretext of heritage, but the real reason was the huge cost for BG conversion it needs, even with the existing tunnels and bridges. Later because of objections on the ground that the ease of connectivity will be lost, that idea was shelved. Otherwise one would have to get down at Punalur by BG train, take another MG train to Shencottah and from there again take a BG to go further via Tenkasi.

There was an active southern railway discussions forum (a link in SR website) some time back, some active members there are now in SSC also.

I would like to advise to have a little control when using adjectives. I too have heard many times about Kottarakkara being the largest KSRTC bus stand, but only from those in Kottarakara, Punalur and Kollam, including my relatives. I cannot understand how it becomes the largest! Yes, it has a comparatively wide yard to park the buses, I didn't see anything more than that. A station becomes big when it operates the max services, has the largest fleet, handles the largest number of passengers etc.

Everybody knows that KSRTC bus stations are bad and poorly maintained. But I would always refrain from posting something along with a 'comment' which is contradictory or which may make others who are seing it for the first time to laugh. See the photo you had posted, for me it appears nothing other than a simple concrete yard with few dilapidated, battered and worn out tin boxes which we call 'buses' (all local buses, not even a long distance one in that pic) and a few jaywalking rural folks. (BTW I am much familiar about Kottarakkara bus station, my cousin owns a business, the 'National Photo Store' which is housed a few metres from it).

Some positive signs are there by which we are seing some developments under BOT for some of the bus stations in Kerala. I think work on Kozhikode has already started. TVM Central station also is in the cards. Kannur has already a modern bus station, (not KSRTC) which has been developed under BOT. Kottarakkara is nowhere in the picture.

while there are a lot of long distance buses from Kottarakkara KSRTC bus stand (the biggest KSRTC bus stand in Kerala.)

A snap of Kottarkara KSRTC Bus Station:

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Titanium sponge plant to come up in Kollam

State government-owned Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation Ltd has chalked out a plan to set up a titanium complex consisting of a 10,000-tpa titanium sponge plant, titanium metal, alloy components and downstream products.

The project will come up on land adjacent to an existing factory of Kerala Minerals and Metals Ltd at Chavara in Kollam district.

KSIDC recently invited expressions of interest from companies for associating with the Kerala government as a strategic partner. The government will hold a minimum 26 per cent stake in this project.

Karma Chandran, GM and in-charge of the project, could not give the exact cost as it was the first such mega titanium project in the country. However, he said that a project of this size may cost anywhere between Rs 1,000 crore to Rs 1,500 crore.

Titanium tetrachloride, the raw material for sponge, would be arranged by KSIDC at market price from Kerala Minerals and Metals Ltd, a state-owned company. The government will arrange infrastructure facilities such as land, power and water, and will facilitate regulatory clearances, Chandran added.

It may be noted that KMML was in the process of setting up a 500-tpa titanium sponge plant on 15 acres at Chavara in Kollam district. This project is being implemented in collaboration with Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre at a cost of Rs 95 crore, funded by VSSC since the end-product is meant for them. "The project is progressing as per plan and is scheduled for completion by this year-end," the KSIDC official said.

Titanium, known for its excellent corrosion resistance, high strength and low density, is widely used for aero-engine and airframe structures in both civilian and military aircraft. Titanium-alloy components also find applications in satellite launch vehicles, rockets and missiles. Titanium is extracted in the form of titanium sponge from its oxide minerals through magnesium reduction of its chloride intermediate. However, the sponge production process is complex and cumbersome. Technical knowhow for the production of titanium sponge has so far been available with a select group of developed countries comprising Japan, USA, CIS, UK and China. As of now, India's total titanium requirement is being met by imports even though it possesses a large reserve base of titanium minerals.

The KSDIC official pointed out that Kerala was the only state with possibilities of setting up titanium projects, besides Tamil Nadu where a similar project was stalled recently due to protests from locals. "From beach sand Ilmenite is produced and from Ilmenite titanium tetrachloride (TT) is produced and finally from TT downstream products such as titanium sponge can be produced," the official explained, adding that these special products found application in aerospace and aviation industry

Courtesy - Project Monitor
The government has decided to acquire 300 acres of land near the TS canal banks for the upcoming Titanium Sponge factory at Chavara. The factory is coming up very near to the KMML complex premises.:banana:

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There is a furore for any development activities in Kollam. I do not think the air strip will create any hindrance for the Kollam Pooram (that happens only once in a year.) That day can be decalared a holiday for the Aviation Academy as well. The air strip is a good initiative for more development projects arrival in Kollam. Once the air strip becomes a reality, Kollam will get more strategic and importance in the aviation map which may lead to the incoming of more projects in different parts of the district.

The same uproar and furore happend with the Kollam Port when the idea was initiated. When most of the other cities are dreaming to have these kind of projects but lack of space is their crunch issue we are spoiling our chances of development though we have the space and natural gifts. A city cannot develop if the local people behave like this.

The TS canal rehabilitation is yet another example in this regard. There seems some kind of protest against the Kollam Techno Park taking electricity form the Kundara feeder.

All these shows development really depends on the attitude of the people. If people are committed and determined for their city's development even the politicians cannot do anything to hamper it.

The government has decided to acquire 300 acres of land near the TS canal banks for the upcoming Titanium Sponge factory at Chavara. The factory is coming up very near to the KMML complex premises.:banana:

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Great news. Hope there will not be any protest against the land acquisition.

The Titanium Sponge factory is a big initaitive as far as mineral industry is concerned. The Titanium Sponge factory, the KMML and IRE will put Chavara as the top industrial region in Southern Kerala.:banana:

The Mavelikkara MP Mr. Kodikunnil Suresh said that he will put pressure on the central goverment for realizing the Chengannur - Kottarakkara railway line.

He also said that procedures have been taken to expedite the Kollam - Schencottah BG conversion.

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The Kollam MP Peethamabara Kuruppu has prioritised the railway needs of Kollam and gave a list to the railway minister E. Ahmed in New Delhi. The railway needs in his list are:

1. Stop for Rajdhani Express at Kollam Junction Railway Station

2. Expedition of Kollam SP office Flyover construction

3. Flyover at Elampalloor Railway gate in Kundara

4. Stop for Parashuram Express at Paravur railway station

5. Ticket Booking and Parcel Booking facilities at Eravipuram railway station in the city

6. Expedition of Kollam - Punalur BG conversion

7. Immediate start of Punalur - Schencottah BG conversion

8. Computerisation of Mayyanad and Paravur railway stations

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The proposed Airstrip is coming up at the Aashramam maidan which is the vast plain land seen in the picture. The Hockey stadium and the sports complex coming up at the banks of Ashtamudi lake is shown with the red square box.

The jutted out land at the top left corner is surrounded by the beautiful Ashtamudi lake on all three sides. The Children's Park, Adventure Park, Aashramam British Residency (Guest House) and the famous Aashramam Sree Krishna Swamy Temple (Kollam Pooram is the culminating program of the temple festival) are also shown.

KOLLAM: A preliminary inspection was conducted by a team of experts at Asramam Maidan here on Monday evening as part of a proposal to construct an airstrip.

The team comprised P.M. Thulasidas, chairman of the Rajiv Gandhi Aviation Academy; T.K. Manoj Kumar, Transport Secretary; and Unnikrishnan, Tourism Planning Officer. They were accompanied by District Collector A. Shajahan and District Tourism Promotion Council secretary K. Shirish.

Mr. Thulasidas told presspersons that Asramam Maidan had both plus and minus points.

The possibilities probed were whether the airstrip would benefit the Ashtamudi Lake-based tourism sector of Kollam, domestic air services, and an aviation school.

The advantages were that that since the Maidan had once served as an aerodrome, there would not be much delay on the part of the Union government for constructing a runway.

Tourism prospects

Owing to its proximity to Ashtamudi Lake, the tourism sector stood to gain from the airstrip. The maidan would become a protected area.

However, the maidan would not be suitable for big planes. In case of local opposition, the proposed project would be dropped and sites in other districts would be considered.

He said the team would also inspect sites in Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta districts.

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^^ It is very important for this project to stay in Kollam district. Kollamites should realize if they miss this opportunity then they better stop talking about development itself. If aashramam airstrip is not feasible the district authorities and Kollamites should help GoK in identifying a location somewhere else in the district. At any cost Kollam should not lose this project.

^^ It is very important for this project to stay in Kollam district. Kollamites should realize if they miss this opportunity then they better stop talking about development itself. If aashramam airstrip is not feasible the district authorities and Kollamites should help GoK in identifying a location somewhere else in the district. At any cost Kollam should not lose this project.

Robin, I also agree with your points. We should not miss out this opportunity. If Aashramam is not feasible then the airstrip can come up at the outskirts probably somwhere near to Kundara or Kottarakkara with necessary land acquisition. This airstrip can probably be developed into a full-fledged airport in future if enough land is acquired now itself. Any location between Kottarakkara and Kundara will be ideal as density of population will be relatively less there. This airport will definitely put Kollam into the aviation map and probably can become a supporting airport for the Trivandrum airport in future.

The Kollam MP Peethamabara Kuruppu has prioritised the railway needs of Kollam and gave a list to the railway minister E. Ahmed in New Delhi. The railway needs in his list are:

1. Stop for Rajdhani Express at Kollam Junction Railway Station

2. Expedition of Kollam SP office Flyover construction

3. Flyover at Elampalloor Railway gate in Kundara

4. Stop for Parashuram Express at Paravur railway station

5. Ticket Booking and Parcel Booking facilities at Eravipuram railway station in the city

6. Expedition of Kollam - Punalur BG conversion

7. Immediate start of Punalur - Schencottah BG conversion

8. Computerisation of Mayyanad and Paravur railway stations

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I would like the MP to add some more Kollam railway needs in the above mentioned list:

1. MEMU Terminal Base work expedition

2. More platforms for new Kollam - Punalur BG lines and MEMU Terminals

3. Second Entrance at the Upasana Hospital side (With Spacious Parking and more Ticket counters)

4. More infrastructure and amenities at and near the railway stations in city limits (Kilikollur, Chandanthope, Kundara, Eravipuram and Mayyanad)

5. A better station building for Kollam Junction showing its importance (if not, probably they can construct a good and better building for the 2nd Entrance)

The Mavelikkara MP Mr. Kodikunnil Suresh said that he will put pressure on the central goverment for realizing the Chengannur - Kottarakkara railway line.

He also said that procedures have been taken to expedite the Kollam - Schencottah BG conversion.

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This is a very important railway route as far Central Travencore is concerned. It will connect the important towns in Central Travencore like Chengannur, Tiruvalla and Changanasseri with Pandalam, Adoor and Kottarakkara. These place will be connected with Kollam city as it will join at the Kollam - Scehncottah BG line at Kottarakkara (Junction). This will make Kottarakkar a prominent junction in the railway map of South India as the station become a terminal for the Sabarimala pilgrims from Tamil Nadu as well.

All the people should come forward to support this very relevant railway line of south Kerala which could probably be extended to Trivandrum later.:banana:

Private bus operators in the district have threatened to go on an indefinite strike from June 15 if the city Corporation fails to open the Chinnakada private bus stand at the Clock Tower junction by then.

The civic authorities had closed the stand and demolished the waiting sheds a couple of months ago to facilitate the construction of an underpass.

Traders in the city have also joined hands with the private bus operators to protest against the closure of the bus stand. To pursue their demand for reopening the bus stand, they have formed an organisation called the Vyapari Vyavasayi-Bus Operators Coordination Committee.

Kerala State Private Bus Operators’ Federation general secretary Lawrence Babu said though the bus stand had been closed, no work had begun on the underpass. The Railways had to transfer some land at Chinnakada to the city Corporation for the underpass. Even that had not been done, he said.

K. Ramabhadran, chairman of the City Merchants’ Association, said the closure of the bus stand had led to a drastic fall in business for those with shops at the bus stand complex. Five shops had closed down. The traders there were anxious about their situation, he said.

The traders and the bus operators would organise a dharna at the Press Club Maidan here on Wednesday to press their demand for reopening the bus stand.

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The proposed Airstrip is coming up at the Aashramam maidan which is the vast plain land seen in the picture. The Hockey stadium and the sports complex coming up at the banks of Ashtamudi lake is shown with the red square box.

The jutted out land at the top left corner is surrounded by the beautiful Ashtamudi lake on all three sides. The Children's Park, Adventure Park, Aashramam British Residency (Guest House) and the famous Aashramam Sree Krishna Swamy Temple (Kollam Pooram is the culminating program of the temple festival) are also shown.

Nice information. The view would have been more clearer if it has been taken a bit more closer. The protruded land is a beautiful island like piece of land which can be really developed into a tourist attraction. Amusement and water parks can be set up at the banks of the Ashtamudi lake at these sections. The area may be densely populated, but still the banks can be utilized for backwater tourism projects. Good locations for water frontage apartments as well.

This is a very important railway route as far Central Travencore is concerned. It will connect the important towns in Central Travencore like Chengannur, Tiruvalla and Changanasseri with Pandalam, Adoor and Kottarakkara. These place will be connected with Kollam city as it will join at the Kollam - Scehncottah BG line at Kottarakkara (Junction). This will make Kottarakkar a prominent junction in the railway map of South India as the station become a terminal for the Sabarimala pilgrims from Tamil Nadu as well.

All the people should come forward to support this very relevant railway line of south Kerala which could probably be extended to Trivandrum later.:banana:

this is a very good project.Chengannur kottarakkara line could be very well extended to Trivandrum via Ayoor-Kilimanoor-Attingal-Technopark-Trivandrum.....or via Ayoor-Kilimanoor-Venjarrmoodu-Trivandrum........This could be a boon for travellers in central kerala as ksrtc services along the mc road are not very adequate

this is a very good project.Chengannur kottarakkara line could be very well extended to Trivandrum via Ayoor-Kilimanoor-Attingal-Technopark-Trivandrum.....or via Ayoor-Kilimanoor-Venjarrmoodu-Trivandrum........This could be a boon for travellers in central kerala as ksrtc services along the mc road are not very adequate

You are correct, Navjot. It should pass through the important towns like Ayoor - Anchal - Kilimanoor - Kazhakootam - Trivandrum City.

This is the best path as most people of Kollam and Trivandrum will benefit. I do not think Attingal is relevant as Chirayinkil and Kadakkavoor is just a few kilometres away. The line can join at Kaniyapuram or Kazhakootam to join the main line.

If the line becomes a reality with electrified routes, circular suburban MEMU trains can be operated in the Kollam - Kottarakkara - Trivandrum route.:banana:

The Asramam Maidan has both merits and demerits. Rajiv Gandhi Aviation Academy chairman P.M.Thulasidas said that the promotion of tourism was also among the objectives of the proposed runway.

Flights for tourists who want to visit Ashtamudi backwaters could be chartered once the runway is laid. It will also pave the way for the promotion of other business activities.

The Maidan can afford 4,000 ft land for the runway. But it is sufficient only for light aircraft.

For medium-level aircraft 6,000 to 9,000 ft land is required. The trees around the Maidan is another disadvantage. The clearance from the Government would be easy as the Maidan is the property of the Civil Aviation Department under the Central Government.

The Maidan was having a runway many decades ago. Thulasidas also made it clear that the runway would not be laid by overlooking the objection of the local people.

Kollam has been considered for laying the runway as it is the important place in the southern part of the state. He said that Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta are also being considered for laying the runway.

So now everything depends on the people's attitude.:nuts:

You are correct, Navjot. It should pass through the important towns like Ayoor - Anchal - Kilimanoor - Kazhakootam - Trivandrum City.

This is the best path as most people of Kollam and Trivandrum will benefit. I do not think Attingal is relevant as Chirayinkil and Kadakkavoor is just a few kilometres away. The line can join at Kaniyapuram or Kazhakootam to join the main line.

If the line becomes a reality with electrified routes, circular suburban MEMU trains can be operated in the Kollam - Kottarakkara - Trivandrum route.:banana:

I also agree with EQ but want to add a couple of stations more. Moreover, Ayoor will be the ideal location for railway station than Anchal as the MC road also passes through this junction.

My suggestion is:

Kottarakkara - Neduvankavu - Ayoor - Kadakkal - Kilimanoor - Venjaramoodu - Kazhakootam - Trivandrum.

But first, lets hope the Chengannur - Pandalam - Adoor - Puttur - Kottarrakkara line becomes a reality soon.

As EQ mentioned, once these projects become a reality, MEMU circular services can be operated in Kollam - Kottarakkara - Chengannur and Kollam - Kottarakkara - Trivandrum sections as both are equi-distant from Kollam city.

Private bus operators in the district have threatened to go on an indefinite strike from June 15 if the city Corporation fails to open the Chinnakada private bus stand at the Clock Tower junction by then.

The civic authorities had closed the stand and demolished the waiting sheds a couple of months ago to facilitate the construction of an underpass.

Traders in the city have also joined hands with the private bus operators to protest against the closure of the bus stand. To pursue their demand for reopening the bus stand, they have formed an organisation called the Vyapari Vyavasayi-Bus Operators Coordination Committee.

Kerala State Private Bus Operators’ Federation general secretary Lawrence Babu said though the bus stand had been closed, no work had begun on the underpass. The Railways had to transfer some land at Chinnakada to the city Corporation for the underpass. Even that had not been done, he said.

K. Ramabhadran, chairman of the City Merchants’ Association, said the closure of the bus stand had led to a drastic fall in business for those with shops at the bus stand complex. Five shops had closed down. The traders there were anxious about their situation, he said.

The traders and the bus operators would organise a dharna at the Press Club Maidan here on Wednesday to press their demand for reopening the bus stand.



whether any relevance for these type of trivial news in this forum?

The Kollam beach is going to get a facelift as 1.75 crores worth renovation is taking place with a View Gallery of 150 metres long, childrens indoor playing area, swimming pool, water supply and water tank in the park, land scaping, tiling of the park area and beautiful footpaths.

The work is undertaken by the Harbour Engineering Department under the leadership of notted Chennai architect Raghu Ram who has done renovation of Chennai Marina Beach.

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Mayor N Padmalochanan said that he will discuss with the railway minister E Ahmed for securing the 18 cents of land at chinnakkada that is with the railways. He said that this 18 cents of land is of no use for the railways and it can be utilised for the underpass construction.

He said the bus stand at chinnakkada was shifted to Andamukkam to be permanent there.

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whether any relevance for these type of trivial news in this forum?

Yaar, I have posted the news just because the protest is due to the shifting of the City busstand to Andamukham and the related confusion that occurs in Chinnakkada due to the delay in the underpass construction. The underpass road is a road from the press club maidan that passes under the overbridge at Chinnakkada to reach the Clock Tower junction. The protest is relevant as it is the lethargic attitude:bash: of the civic and the corporation authorities. I just wanted to show the protest of the public and the mercahnts of the city towards this tardiness.

The Kollam beach is going to get a facelift as 1.75 crores worth renovation is taking place with a View Gallery of 150 metres long, childrens indoor playing area, swimming pool, water supply and water tank in the park, land scaping, tiling of the park area and beautiful footpaths.

The work is undertaken by the Harbour Engineering Department under the leadership of notted Chennai architect Raghu Ram who has done renovation of Chennai Marina Beach.


It is great to know that the beaches in Kollam city are getting a facelift. The development works of the Thankasseri beach and sea park is also going on. But the most imortant beach is the Thirumullavaram beach which is very shallow for bathing and swimming. The Fern Valley group had announced a five star resort last year. No information about that now. Can anyone update regarding that project?

Mayor N Padmalochanan said that he will discuss with the railway minister E Ahmed for securing the 18 cents of land at chinnakkada that is with the railways. He said that this 18 cents of land is of no use for the railways and it can be utilised for the underpass construction.

He said the bus stand at chinnakkada was shifted to Andamukkam to be permanent there.



Mayor N.Padmalochanan has blamed the Railway authorities for the delay in starting the construction of the subway at Chinnakkada.

In a statement here on Tuesday, the Mayor said that the Railway Authorities had agreed to provide 18 cents of land at Chinnakkada for the construction of a subway in exchange for the 122-cent land of the Corporation situated at the old T.M.Varghese Park.

The minutes of the decisions in this regard are with the Corporation. However, the Railway authorities have not implemented the decision by issuing an order.

It was on the basis of the discussions held with the Railway authorities that the project was tendered and the contract was signed, he said.

The Corporation has to pay crores of rupees as penalty for the delay in the completion of the subway. He said that a meeting would be held soon which would be attended by the Chief Minister and Union Minister of State for Railways E.Ahmed. All the problems will be solved at the meeting, the Mayor said.

Source - Express News Service

The kerala MPs in presence of dep rly minister E Ahmed , submitted a list of demands for railway development in the state on tuesday.The following were the main demands in the list:

1. Seperate railway zone for Kerala.

2.allocation of funds to complete electrification and doubling between Trivandrum and Mangalore by this year itself.

3.Starting of new trains between from mumbai,hyderabad,and bangalore to Trivandrum and Nilambur-Kanya kumari.

4.Starting Memu services between Palakkad-Thrishur-Ernakulam-Kottayam/Alleppy-Kollam-Trivandrum as early as possible.Allocating funds for construcion of MEMU workshops at Palakkad and Kollam.

5.Increasing the number of bogies in long distance trains.

6.Completion of survey of Angamali-Todupuzha,Nilambur-Nanjenkod,Guruvayur-Kuttipuram,Kochi-Madurai,Talasheri-Mysore,Chengannur-Kottarakkara and Erumeli-Sabarimala.

7.Allocation of funds and completion of bridges at kollam sp office,mynagappalli,kundara-elamballoor and various places in alleppy,kottayam,thrishur,kozhikode and kannur districts.

8.Commision Kollam-Punalur BG line by Onam.Allocate more funds for Punalur-Sengottai and Palakkad-Pollachi gauge conversions.

9.Extension of Bangalore-Ernakulam express to Kollam via Alleppy,Janshatabdi Exp to calicut,ekm-kannur intercity to alleppy andmadurai-kollam pass to kottayam.

The Kerala CM has called for a meeting of all MPs on June 15th to discuss on railway development needs of the state.

Source-Mathrubhumi

The kerala MPs in presence of dep rly minister E Ahmed , submitted a list of demands for railway development in the state on tuesday.The following were the main demands in the list:

1. Seperate railway zone for Kerala.

2.allocation of funds to complete electrification and doubling between Trivandrum and Mangalore by this year itself.

3.Starting of new trains between from mumbai,hyderabad,and bangalore to Trivandrum and Nilambur-Kanya kumari.

4.Starting Memu services between Palakkad-Thrishur-Ernakulam-Kottayam/Alleppy-Kollam-Trivandrum as early as possible.Allocating funds for construcion of MEMU workshops at Palakkad and Kollam.

5.Increasing the number of bogies in long distance trains.

6.Completion of survey of Angamali-Todupuzha,Nilambur-Nanjenkod,Guruvayur-Kuttipuram,Kochi-Madurai,Talasheri-Mysore,Chengannur-Kottarakkara and Erumeli-Sabarimala.

7.Allocation of funds and completion of bridges at kollam sp office,mynagappalli,kundara-elamballoor and various places in alleppy,kottayam,thrishur,kozhikode and kannur districts.

8.Commision Kollam-Punalur BG line by Onam.Allocate more funds for Punalur-Sengottai and Palakkad-Pollachi gauge conversions.

9.Extension of Bangalore-Ernakulam express to Kollam via Alleppy,Janshatabdi Exp to calicut,ekm-kannur intercity to alleppy andmadurai-kollam pass to kottayam.

The Kerala CM has called for a meeting of all MPs on June 15th to discuss on railway development needs of the state.

Source-Mathrubhumi

It would be great if the Bangalore-Ernakulam express is extended to Kollam Junction. Also, if the Kollam - Punalur BG commissioning before Onam will be best Onam gift for Kollamaites. The last but not the least - The MEMU Terminal and Suburban services at any cost should be commissioned this year itself. Hope E. Ahmed understand the railways needs better than anyone else.

The coropration has started the preliminary works for a bust terminal cum shopping complex in 6 acres of land at Aandamukham in the city. The bus terminal construction is expected to be completed by this year itself.

The decision has been taken as Railways has not handed over the land near the railway quarters as they promised. As per the agreement corporation was supposed to give the land near to the Upasana hospital to the railways inlieu of that.

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The coropration has started the preliminary works for a bust terminal cum shopping complex in 6 acres of land at Aandamukham in the city. The bus terminal construction is expected to be completed by this year itself.

The decision has been taken as Railways has not handed over the land near the railway quarters as they promised. As per the agreement corporation was supposed to give the land near to the Upasana hospital to the railways inlieu of that.


The bus terminal at the Railway quarters location will be more convenient for the public as it is close to the Railway station and Chinnakkada. The corporation should construct a city bus terminal there and cab operate city circular service from there. The Aandamukham Bus Terminal can be used for long distance services like to Kottarakkara, Karunagapally, Paripally, Punalur etc....

The kerala MPs in presence of dep rly minister E Ahmed , submitted a list of demands for railway development in the state on tuesday.The following were the main demands in the list:

1. Seperate railway zone for Kerala.

2.allocation of funds to complete electrification and doubling between Trivandrum and Mangalore by this year itself.

3.Starting of new trains between from mumbai,hyderabad,and bangalore to Trivandrum and Nilambur-Kanya kumari.

4.Starting Memu services between Palakkad-Thrishur-Ernakulam-Kottayam/Alleppy-Kollam-Trivandrum as early as possible.Allocating funds for construcion of MEMU workshops at Palakkad and Kollam.

5.Increasing the number of bogies in long distance trains.

6.Completion of survey of Angamali-Todupuzha,Nilambur-Nanjenkod,Guruvayur-Kuttipuram,Kochi-Madurai,Talasheri-Mysore,Chengannur-Kottarakkara and Erumeli-Sabarimala.

7.Allocation of funds and completion of bridges at kollam sp office,mynagappalli,kundara-elamballoor and various places in alleppy,kottayam,thrishur,kozhikode and kannur districts.

8.Commision Kollam-Punalur BG line by Onam.Allocate more funds for Punalur-Sengottai and Palakkad-Pollachi gauge conversions.

9.Extension of Bangalore-Ernakulam express to Kollam via Alleppy,Janshatabdi Exp to calicut,ekm-kannur intercity to alleppy andmadurai-kollam pass to kottayam.

The Kerala CM has called for a meeting of all MPs on June 15th to discuss on railway development needs of the state.

Source-Mathrubhumi

One important thing missing here in the demand list is to create additional infrastructure at Trivandrum Central station for running more trains. According to Southern Railway GM, the rail infrastructure at Trivandrum, Kochuveli, Ernakulam and Nagercoil are just enough to handle existing trains and hence new trains announced earlier this year were forced to start from Tirunelveli in Tamilnadu which had spare maintenance capacity left.

Hence, it is utmost important to create additional infrastructure for coach maintenance at kochuveli and start work on new coach maintenance centre at Nemom, if more new trains to Kerala are to be accomodated .

The Asramam Maidan has both merits and demerits. Rajiv Gandhi Aviation Academy chairman P.M.Thulasidas said that the promotion of tourism was also among the objectives of the proposed runway.

Flights for tourists who want to visit Ashtamudi backwaters could be chartered once the runway is laid. It will also pave the way for the promotion of other business activities.

The Maidan can afford 4,000 ft land for the runway. But it is sufficient only for light aircraft.



The proposed airstrip will boost economic activities in Kollam and adjoining areas. There is always opposition to anything in Kerala as senn in past. Hope the opposition here too dies off naturally and pave way for another new aerodrome in Kerala.

One important thing missing here in the demand list is to create additional infrastructure at Trivandrum Central station for running more trains. According to Southern Railway GM, the rail infrastructure at Trivandrum, Kochuveli, Ernakulam and Nagercoil are just enough to handle existing trains and hence new trains announced earlier this year were forced to start from Tirunelveli in Tamilnadu which had spare maintenance capacity left.

Hence, it is utmost important to create additional infrastructure for coach maintenance at kochuveli and start work on new coach maintenance centre at Nemom, if more new trains to Kerala are to be accomodated .

You are correct, beam. More trains should be started from Kochu veli to the importat cities in India. Moreover, more trains to the eastern part of India especially to Kolkatta, Bhuvaneshwar, Guwahati and North East can be started once the Kollam - Schencotta line gets ready.

If the goods yaard in Kollam is shifted to Perinad or some other nearby station in the city, Kollam Junction can be expanded so that more long distance trains can be operated from here. Once the MEMU becomes operation, it will be easy for people from the other places to come and board trains from Kollam. This will reduce the congestion in Kochuveli and Trivandrum central stations in future. There is ample space at Kollam Junction to have more platforms and tracks.

The proposed airstrip will boost economic activities in Kollam and adjoining areas. There is always opposition to anything in Kerala as senn in past. Hope the opposition here too dies off naturally and pave way for another new aerodrome in Kerala.

Yes...Kollam deserves an airport when we look at the upcoming mega projects. It is high time to acquire the land somewhere between Kundara and Kottarakkara for this. The Kollam Cargo Port, Kollma Cashew Board and Kollam Techno Park will pave way for this. But the land acquisition will be difficult in future unless it is done itself. The density of population and scarcity of land even in the rural areas of Kollam is the classic example for this.

Lets hope the airport will get materialized in future.:cheers:

The state governement has approved the 5.38 crore Ashtamudi Lake Tourism project which is funded by central government also. The project includes the development of Munroe Island and Palliyamthuruthu Island in the Ashtamudi Lake.

The project also includes construction of beautiful entrance gates, restaurants and rest houses at the Kollam Boat Terminal, Thoppil Kadavu boat jetty in the city, Sambranicodi boat jetty, Veerabhadraswami Temple boat jetty and Pattamthuruthu boat jetty.

Moreover, new boat jettys, auditorium, buildings, rest centres and garbage treating plants are planned in Munro Isands and Palliyamthuruthu Island.
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The final official procedures for ships to embark from Kollam to Maldives is getting ready.The ships will carry construction materials from Kollam to Maldives. The final approval is to be received from Chennai.

The shipping company Linus has expressed interest in exporting construction materials from Kollam to the small island and is waiting for the approval from Chennai. Linus has got the approval from the Maldives port regarding this.

The ship may embark to Maldives within 10 days if the approval and customs clearance is over.

There are lot of problems prevailing at the port regarding infrastrucuture development, though slowly and gradually the infrastructure is getting developed. The shortcomings and the spoilsporting attitude by the Tuticorin and the Kochin port lobbies are preventing Kollam Port's development.

Authorities say that once a ship embarks from here, all the issues will get mitigated.

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The kseb 220 kv substation at Ayathil will be inaugurated today by minister A.K Balan.........He'll also inaugurate the construction of Perinad sub station today

The kseb 220 kv substation at Ayathil will be inaugurated today by minister A.K Balan.........He'll also inaugurate the construction of Perinad sub station today

This news prompted me to say that there should be separate substation for Kollam Techno Park at Kundara. There are some opposition going on from the public regarding Kundara Techno Park taking electricity from the Kundara substation which may lead the public to bear an additional expense. I do not know what they meant by that. The protests and unproar are not a strange thing in Kerala especially Kollam as there are opposition against the proposed Airstrip as well.:bash:

Resentment over move to set up airport at Asramam Maidan

Express News Service 12 Jun 2009 09:29:44 AM

KOLLAM: There is widespread resentment over the moves to establish a runway and an airport at Asramam maidan here. Various organisations have come out against the move. The advisory committee of Asramam Sreekrishnaswami Temple urged the authorities to withdraw from the move.


In a statement here on Thursday, advisory committee secretary T. Babukumar warned the authorities that an agitation would be launched by the devotees associated with the 16 temples participating in the Kollam Pooram, to protect the maidan. He said that cultural and social activists in Kollam had extended their support for the protection of the maidan, which is the venue of Kollam Pooram. The Thekkinkadu maidan inThrissur is protected as it is the venue of the Pooram.

Kollam Jilla Paristhithi Samrakshana Ekopana Samithi general convener Odanavattom Vijayaprakash said that his organisation would meet Rajiv Gandhi Aviation Academy chairman Thulasidas on Monday to request him to withdraw from the move.

He said that the Asramam maidan was the only open space left in the city for the people. Both the Temple Advisory Committee and the Paristhithi Ekopana Samithi have pointed out that it is meaningless to open an airport in Kollam to promote tourism as the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is only 70 km away from here.

The maidan is sufficient for the helicopters to land and take off. Once the runway is established here, it would pose a danger to the Kollam Govt Guest House, which is a hallmark of cultural heritage, and the children’s park in the area. All the trees around the maidan have to be felled. The maidan is the venue where big political and cultural events take place. It is also the place where driving tests are conducted by the Motor Vehicles Department.

Thousands of people are making use of the maidan for their morning and evening walks.

The maidan, adjoining the Ashtamudi backwaters, has been included in the category of ecologically fragile land. More organisations and cultural and social activists have extended their support in favour of protecting the maidan.

I think the authorities can find a suitable land somewhere between Kundara - Kottarakkara or between Kottiyam - Chathanoor as both these places are within the 50 KM distance by air from Trivandrum airport.

The government hospitals in the State are all set to become smarter with the conventional OP tickets and casesheets going to be replaced by ‘smart cards’.


It has been decided to introduce smart cards for patients in 19 hospitals across the state, which have already been selected for getting ISO certification under National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH).

On a pilot basis, these cards will be first introduced at the Women and Children Hospital at Thycaud in Thiruvananathapuram where already a test run was made on Tuesday.

The smart cards with a micro chip will store all the basic information of the patients in addition to the details of the diagnosis, treatment offered and the medicines prescribed.

The details in the cards will also be stored in the main server installed in the hospital.

During the subsequent visits by the patient to the hospital, the doctor will only have to swipe the card in the card reader which will provide all the case history of the patient in his computer.

For entering the patient and treatment details, each doctor will be given the service of an additional nursing assistant.

These nursing assistants will be posted under National Rural Health Mission (Arogya Keralam).

The smart cards will be issued only to the patients coming in the OP wing and the casualty. The Government is planning to give the cards free to the patients though it incurs a heavy financial burden. The funds will be made available from NRHM. The technical support for this facility will be provided by Keltron.

After the W&C Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram, it will be introduced in SAT Hospital (Thiruvananthapuram), District Hospitals of Kollam, Kottayam, Palakkad, Manjeri, Kannur, Kanhangad and Mananthavady, General Hospitals of Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam and Kasargod, Taluk Head Quarters Hospitals of Cherthala, Thodupuzha, Chavakkad, Sulthan Bathery and Payyanur, and Women and Child Hospital, Kozhikode, besides the Medical College Hospital in Thrissur.

Hope the hospitals will becomer clean, and tidy as well.:lol:

The state governement has approved the 5.38 crore Ashtamudi Lake Tourism project which is funded by central government also. The project includes the development of Munroe Island and Palliyamthuruthu Island in the Ashtamudi Lake.

The project also includes construction of beautiful entrance gates, restaurants and rest houses at the Kollam Boat Terminal, Thoppil Kadavu boat jetty in the city, Sambranicodi boat jetty, Veerabhadraswami Temple boat jetty and Pattamthuruthu boat jetty.

Moreover, new boat jettys, auditorium, buildings, rest centres and garbage treating plants are planned in Munro Isands and Palliyamthuruthu Island.


This may be the best project to tap the backwater tourism potential of Kollam and may put Kollam at the internation tourism map. The amount allocated for the project is quite disappointing. The Ashtamudi lake is a vast lake with 8 branches spread accross the district. It is the second largest in the state areawise. One of the important aspect that is missing in the project is the preservation of the lake from reclamation and pollution. A good amount of money is required for that. Ashtamudi lake is facing severe threat from land reclamation and dumping of wastes and polluted water into it. There should be strict rules to curb these activites.

Moreover, there should be beautification of the Ashtamudi lake banks especially in the city area (Aashramam, Thevally, Uliyakovil, Kureepuzha West) that belongs to the government with beautiful trees, gardens, avenues and lights.

The final official procedures for ships to embark from Kollam to Maldives is getting ready.The ships will carry construction materials from Kollam to Maldives. The final approval is to be received from Chennai.

The shipping company Linus has expressed interest in exporting construction materials from Kollam to the small island and is waiting for the approval from Chennai. Linus has got the approval from the Maldives port regarding this.

The ship may embark to Maldives within 10 days if the approval and customs clearance is over.

There are lot of problems prevailing at the port regarding infrastrucuture development, though slowly and gradually the infrastructure is getting developed. The shortcomings and the spoilsporting attitude by the Tuticorin and the Kochin port lobbies are preventing Kollam Port's development.

Authorities say that once a ship embarks from here, all the issues will get mitigated.


It is nice to hear the frequent updates regarding Kollam Cargo Port. Hope the much awaited ship is going to set off in the imminent future. I wonder how much the local MLA as well as the minister is interested in the port development. It is great to know that atleast the port minister is showing some interest in the Kollam port than the local minister. I feel both the new MPs from Kollam district should exert more pressure at the centre to get all the necessary infrastructure done to attract big liners.

The only way to change the face of Kollam is by having a full fledged Cargo Port. This should be the first priority not the airport.

Resentment over move to set up airport at Asramam Maidan

Express News Service 12 Jun 2009 09:29:44 AM

KOLLAM: There is widespread resentment over the moves to establish a runway and an airport at Asramam maidan here. Various organisations have come out against the move. The advisory committee of Asramam Sreekrishnaswami Temple urged the authorities to withdraw from the move.


In a statement here on Thursday, advisory committee secretary T. Babukumar warned the authorities that an agitation would be launched by the devotees associated with the 16 temples participating in the Kollam Pooram, to protect the maidan. He said that cultural and social activists in Kollam had extended their support for the protection of the maidan, which is the venue of Kollam Pooram. The Thekkinkadu maidan inThrissur is protected as it is the venue of the Pooram.

Kollam Jilla Paristhithi Samrakshana Ekopana Samithi general convener Odanavattom Vijayaprakash said that his organisation would meet Rajiv Gandhi Aviation Academy chairman Thulasidas on Monday to request him to withdraw from the move.

He said that the Asramam maidan was the only open space left in the city for the people. Both the Temple Advisory Committee and the Paristhithi Ekopana Samithi have pointed out that it is meaningless to open an airport in Kollam to promote tourism as the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is only 70 km away from here.

The maidan is sufficient for the helicopters to land and take off. Once the runway is established here, it would pose a danger to the Kollam Govt Guest House, which is a hallmark of cultural heritage, and the children’s park in the area. All the trees around the maidan have to be felled. The maidan is the venue where big political and cultural events take place. It is also the place where driving tests are conducted by the Motor Vehicles Department.

Thousands of people are making use of the maidan for their morning and evening walks.

The maidan, adjoining the Ashtamudi backwaters, has been included in the category of ecologically fragile land. More organisations and cultural and social activists have extended their support in favour of protecting the maidan.

I think the authorities can find a suitable land somewhere between Kundara - Kottarakkara or between Kottiyam - Chathanoor as both these places are within the 50 KM distance by air from Trivandrum airport.

this is really bad.i dont know why kollamites are against this project which'll throw the gates of development of kollam wide open.this is also kollam's best chance to establish its mark in the avaiation map of india.the authorities have identified locations in alleppy,kottayam and pathanamthitta districts.The lobbies there have already started efforts to steal this project from Kollam.if we lose this project it'll be a very big loss.with the upcoming kollam technopark and the kollam cargo port , a airstrip in kollam is really important.before it slips out of kollam we have to identify other locations within kollam.pls suggest some feasible locations in kollam.

this is really bad.i dont know why kollamites are against this project which'll throw the gates of development of kollam wide open.this is also kollam's best chance to establish its mark in the avaiation map of india.the authorities have identified locations in alleppy,kottayam and pathanamthitta districts.The lobbies there have already started efforts to steal this project from Kollam.if we lose this project it'll be a very big loss.with the upcoming kollam technopark and the kollam cargo port , a airstrip in kollam is really important.before it slips out of kollam we have to identify other locations within kollam.pls suggest some feasible locations in kollam.

Kollamaites always protest against development especially the local Kollamaites who do not know what is happening in the other cities in India as far as development is concerned. An NRI Kollamaite will not protest as he knows what is the importance of development and how Kollam or Kerala is compared to the other parts of India as far as infrastructure development is concerned. It is not just with the airstrip, there were protest against the Kollam Cargo Port, Kollam Canal rehabilitation, Aashramam - Kappalandimukku road 4-laning and ofcource Kollam Techno Park taking electricity from the Kundara substation. This is a very dangerous trend as far as Kollam is concerned.

Ofcourse, in the case of Ashramam maidan, we all know it does not have the space to have a full fledged airport so I think it is better to have an airport in Kollam district at a different location, probably around 15 to 25 Kms away from the city. As EQ mentioned a location in and around Kottarakkara or Chathanoor or Karunagapally is ideal for this.

I personally prefer a location at Karunagapally as it is around 100 Kms away from Trivandrum airport and 150 Kms away from Nedumbasseri airport. This will be a central place in central Travancore region and there will be enough foreign passengers as Amrithapuri Aashram is located here. Kollam city centre is just 25 - 30 Kms from there. Nedumbasseri airport is almost 28 - 30 KMs away from the heart of Cochin city and Bangalore airport is 35 - 40 Kms away from Bangalore city centre.

Kerala Govt. has directed the railways to expedite the Kollam - Schencottah BG conversion and the commissioning of Kollam - Punalur line before Onam.

Railways have asked the government authoritues to formally hand over the land where TM Vargeese Memorial Park existed before for the MEMU line construction.

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A snap of the old Kollam Boat terminal that was taken some time back

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Picture courtesy - Shunya

This news prompted me to say that there should be separate substation for Kollam Techno Park at Kundara. There are some opposition going on from the public regarding Kundara Techno Park taking electricity from the Kundara substation which may lead the public to bear an additional expense. I do not know what they meant by that. The protests and unproar are not a strange thing in Kerala especially Kollam as there are opposition against the proposed Airstrip as well.:bash:

The Ayathil substation which benifits major sections of Kollam city will be inaugrated today. Also, the minister AK Balan will lay the foundation stone for the construcution inaugration of Perinad substation. The Ayathil substation incurred a cost of 5.75 crores and the upcoming Perinad substation which benifits the Kollam city outskirts will incur a cost of 7.37 crores.

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There is no need to take the proposed airstrip away from Kollam even if Aashramam is not the perfect venue. There are so many other locations in the outskirts of Kollam city. I do not think, the authorities will be able to get a suitable place within Kottayam or Alapuzha or even Pathanamthittha towns as the space crunch and density in these towns will cause the same issue. Note that the Kottayamaites even opposed the Sabari Railway project just because it was supposed to pass through the densely populated areas of the town and the project is almost scrapped. Personally I am not favouring any of these protests as all protests in Kerala are against developments.

But in the case of Aashramam maidan, as mentioned by environmentalists and aviation authorirites, it cannot become a full-fledged airport as it is in the heart of the city with lots of high rises and potential high rises in future.

The airport and the airstrip can still be in Kollam somewhere outside the city within 25 Kms of radius. The case will be similar for Kottayam and Alleppy but I am not sure about Pathanamthitta.

Kollam is the ideal place for aviation academy airstrip as it is just 50 Kms away from Trivandrum air port (the venue of exisiting aviation academy) by air. By road it is 70 Kms.

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Kerala Govt. has directed the railways to expedite the Kollam - Schencottah BG conversion and the commissioning of Kollam - Punalur line before Onam.

Railways have asked the government authoritues to formally hand over the land where TM Vargeese Memorial Park existed before for the MEMU line construction.


I think this time it may work out as E. Ahmed is the Railway minister. Note that N. Peethambara Kuruppu, the Kollam MP requested for a train from New Delhi to Kochuveli and within a couple of days the train started and was welcomed at Kollam with much fanfare by the congress men.

If the Kollam - Punalur BG conversion gets completed before Onam and the MEMU Terminal work get an impetus, it will be perfect onam gift for people of this region. ^^

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Just as the beaches of Kollam - Kollam beach, Thankasseri beach and Thirumullavaram beach are getting more attention and funds, it is heartening to hear that the various tourist locations at Aashtamudi lake is getting attention and fund allocation for more facilities and development.

The boat terminal at Kollam and the other boat jetties proposed at differnt parts of the lake should be beautiful enough to attract tourists. Though, passenger ferry service is not very popular in Kollam just as in Alleppy or Ernakulam, these beautiful boat terminals and stations may prompt the localites to enjoy their leisure time at various tourist locations along the banks of Ashtamudi lake.

There is no doubt that Ashtamudi Lake is is the most preferred spot for most the backwater carazy tourists because of less polution in water and more beautiful and enchanting inland and island backwater spots in the district.

The Ashtamudi Lake Tourism Circuit Project and the Paravur Lake tourism development project will make Kollam truly the Gateway of Backwater Tourism destination in India itself.:banana:

The construction work of the Kottarakkara Mylom overbridge that is part of the Kollam - Punalur BG conversion has re-started. The metalling works are going on now. The Mylom overbridge work delay is one of the prime reasons that is delaying the commissioning of the project.

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Linus, shipping company has got confirmation and clearance from Chennai regarding export of construction materials from Kollam Cargo Port to Maldives. The approval was for the quality testing. The shipping company has already received approval from the Maldives port for importing the goods from Kollam. The company has to get the final clearance from customs authority which will be a mere formality.

It was a long wait for Kollam Cargo Port which was a thriving port centuries ago to become active again. Though the development activities and infrastructure development were very slow in pace and still slow in pace, there are clearly visible changes at the port location which is just 1.5 KM from the city centre Chinnakkada.

The count down has started for the ships to embark and dock. Kollam's dream of flourishing as a Cargo Port is going to become a reality in the immedeate future. :banana:
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Linus, shipping company has got confirmation and clearance from Chennai regarding export of construction materials from Kollam Cargo Port to Maldives. The approval was for the quality testing. The shipping company has already received approval from the Maldives port for importing the goods from Kollam. The company has to get the final clearance from customs authority which will be a mere formality.

It was a long wait for Kollam Cargo Port which was a thriving port centuries ago to become active again. Though the development activities and infrastructure development were very slow in pace and still slow in pace, there are clearly visible changes at the port location which is just 1.5 KM from the city centre Chinnakkada.

The count down has started for the ships to embark and dock. Kollam's dream of flourishing as a Cargo Port is going to become a reality in the immedeate future. :banana:


Great news, Reghu. As you said some time before the major dream of Kollam as far development is concerned is just in the reckon. I could not believe that it is about to happen despite all the clearance and approval labyrinths as well as lobbying game from the other ports.

This is going to be a new era as far as Kollam is concerned. As the LPG Terminal and Maritime institute to come up at Neendakara port and the Titanium Sponge plant at Chavara and the laying of the new railway line between Karunagapally and Chavara mineral industry site combined will make the area a Trade zone in future.

As part of its efforts to create information technology parks in different districts of Kerala, the state government is gearing up to launch an IT park in Kollam.

State education minister MA Baby on Tuesday handed over the land documents for setting up the park to Ajaykumar, secretary, IT. This is the first district level IT park that is being launched by the Kerala government as part of the new IT policy.

Kollam in its own right is a developed district with the growing cashew industry, excellent educational institutions and with the setting up of a Technopark at Kollam, we hope to see Kollam flourish and develop as a IT hub providing better employment and a quality life.”

Link: http://www.businessstandard.com/india/news/government-allots-land-for-kollam-technopark/20/36/345416/

The government would hold 51 percent stake in the district level parks and the rest will be with private and public companies, which would build the necessary infrastructure.

Link: http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/sci-tech/keralas-first-district-it-park-to-come-up-at-kollam_100138066.html

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:cheers::cheers::banana::cheers::cheers:

Guys, a lot of posts are floating around about the proposed Koratty Info Park in Trissur and about the renderings of the park. Can anyone post the rendering or design of the Kollam Techno Park at Kundara.

The foundation stone of the Kollam Techno Park was laid much before the Trichur Park, but till now I have not find anything other design post than the above mentioned property map in this thread. It will be great if anyone can post the renderings if it is available.

Guys, a lot of posts are floating around about the proposed Koratty Info Park in Trissur and about the renderings of the park. Can anyone post the rendering or design of the Kollam Techno Park at Kundara.

The foundation stone of the Kollam Techno Park was laid much before the Trichur Park, but till now I have not find anything other design post than the above mentioned property map in this thread. It will be great if anyone can post the renderings if it is available.

EQ, I have found the following sketches and layouts of Kollam Techno Park Kundara from IT portal site. It shows where are the buildings to come up at the 42 acres of land.

I am sorry for the clarity of the picture. Note that the palce is just like an island with the Ashtamudi lake (Kanjirode Kayal branch) on all three sides. This beautiful location of Kollam Techno Park will be a unique scene of its kind compared to the other locations of any of the exisiting or new parks that are going to come up. The Kanjirode kayal is seen in blue colour on all the 3 sides of the park property in the map.

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The Kollam beach side. You can see the Beach Orchid Ecotel there:

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Beautiful Ashtamudi Lake with the Vaidya Apartments and Vaidya Arcade at the back ground:

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The Kollam Boat Terminal. You can see the Palace Avenue Apartments nearing completion at the back drop:

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The Aashramam Link road side:

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Courtesy - DR Manoj

Linus, shipping company has got confirmation and clearance from Chennai regarding export of construction materials from Kollam Cargo Port to Maldives. The approval was for the quality testing. The shipping company has already received approval from the Maldives port for importing the goods from Kollam. The company has to get the final clearance from customs authority which will be a mere formality.

It was a long wait for Kollam Cargo Port which was a thriving port centuries ago to become active again. Though the development activities and infrastructure development were very slow in pace and still slow in pace, there are clearly visible changes at the port location which is just 1.5 KM from the city centre Chinnakkada.

The count down has started for the ships to embark and dock. Kollam's dream of flourishing as a Cargo Port is going to become a reality in the immedeate future. :banana:
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Wow..........gr8 news for kollam.Kollam port can regain its lost glory...Kollam portused to have trade links with many European countries during the past....I hope Kollam soon becomes a very busy sea port...........

Great news, Reghu. As you said some time before the major dream of Kollam as far development is concerned is just in the reckon. I could not believe that it is about to happen despite all the clearance and approval labyrinths as well as lobbying game from the other ports.

This is going to be a new era as far as Kollam is concerned. As the LPG Terminal and Maritime institute to come up at Neendakara port and the Titanium Sponge plant at Chavara and the laying of the new railway line between Karunagapally and Chavara mineral industry site combined will make the area a Trade zone in future.

To make the Kollam port more accessible,why not lay a railway line from kollam junction to kollam port??And the proposed karunagappalli-chavara line could be extended to kollam port.the rail link from kollam jn to kollam port will enhance connectivity with kochi port and if the punalur-sengottai gauge conversion is completed,connectivity with tuticorin port can be achieved

To make the Kollam port more accessible,why not lay a railway line from kollam junction to kollam port??And the proposed karunagappalli-chavara line could be extended to kollam port.the rail link from kollam jn to kollam port will enhance connectivity with kochi port and if the punalur-sengottai gauge conversion is completed,connectivity with tuticorin port can be achieved

You are absolutely correct, Navjot. They should connect Kollam Junction with the Kollam cargo port. The port is just under a Kilometer away from Kollam Junction. As you mentioned, once the Kollam - Schencottah BG conversion becomes a reality, Kollam Cargo Port will have good connectivity with Tuticorin and Cochin Port. Moreover the renovation of Karunagappaly - Chavara KMML line should be extended to Neendakara Port which make connectivity of the Port will all the other ports as well.

Anyway, the Kollam Cargo Port revival and the Neendakara Port revival for LPG Terminal and Maritime Institute will put Kollam City again in the forefront of the international cargo trade map gradually and slowly. Kollam will definitely gain its past glory provided there are no lobbying game from the other port authorities. I think it is time for all the Kollamaites to come together and support the Kollam Port development initiatives and thwart the game plans of the other port lobbies.

EQ, I have found the following sketches and layouts of Kollam Techno Park Kundara from IT portal site. It shows where are the buildings to come up at the 42 acres of land.

Note that the palce is just like an island with the Ashtamudi lake (Kanjirode Kayal branch) on all three sides. This beautiful location of Kollam Techno Park will be a unique scene of its kind compared to the other locations of any of the exisiting or new parks that are going to come up. The Kanjirode kayal is seen in blue colour on all the 3 sides of the park property in the map.

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Thanks for the update, Reghu. The information and the design looks futuristic and promising. It is great if the rendering shown in the other post is exactly the buildings that are going to come up at Kundara. It almost looks like the Infosys buildings at Electronics City Phase I in Bangalore. The location will be gorgeous as it is surrounded by the beautiful Aashtamudi Lake. Anyone would love to work at a serene and beautiful location. I am so excited to see the place.

Another important thing about the Kollam Techno Park's future expansion is that there will be enough land available on the sides of the Kollam Bypass Phase 3 and Phase 4 which passes through similar and relatively less densely populated areas with backwater frontage. Govt. or Techno Park authorities should think about acquiring land at the Phase 3 and Phase 4 places where road work is going to start in the immedeate future. Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the Kollam Bypass are already completed and it ends at the NH-208 at Kallumthazham Junction. Land prices have already shot up at the nearby areas of the proposed Techno Park park at Kundara by 200 per cent.

Thanks for the update, Reghu. The information and the design looks futuristic and promising. It is great if the rendering shown in the other post is exactly the buildings that are going to come up at Kundara. It almost looks like the Infosys buildings at Electronics City Phase I in Bangalore. The location will be gorgeous as it is surrounded by the beautiful Aashtamudi Lake. Anyone would love to work at a serene and beautiful location. I am so excited to see the place.


Yaar, I have posted the snap of the beautiful location at the banks of Kanjirode lake, a branch of Ashtamudi backwaters at Kundara where Kollam Techno Park is coming up some time back in the Kollam - Gateway of Back water Tourism thread. I post the snap again in this thread:

The Kollam Techno Park comes up at this beautiful Ashtamudi backwater banks at Kundara:

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The proposed underpass goes under the Chinnakada overbridge and ends at the Clock Tower

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Minister PK Gurudasan has mentioned that Kollam may get a City Police comissioner and Rural SP soon as the final procedures are in the process now.

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Kollam Port road development - The Hindu

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Yet another Quilonian to launch massive projects in kollam:banana::banana::banana:

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New Delhi : Gulf-based NRI entrepreneur Ravi Pillai is going to enter the hospitality sector in India in a major way, including a hotel in Kerala.

"We are planning to enter the hospitality sector in India in a major way with operations from Delhi to Chennai," Pillai, managing director of Saudi Arabia-based industrial contracting and oil refining company Nasir S. Al Hazri Corp, announced at a press conference here Thursday.

Pillai, who is also chairman and managing director of Dubai-based Versailles Hotel and Air Choice Travel & Tourism among other companies, said that his investment in India's hospitality sector has already started with the launch of a hotel project in Kerala.

"We are starting a Rs. 120-crore (Rs. 1.2 billion) hotel project at Kollam (in Kerala) next year. We are also planning a Rs. 100-crore (Rs. 1 billion) medical resort in Kollam to boost the medical tourism sector in India," he said.

Hope some local Kollamaite like Navjot may be able to throw some light or update regarding the latest developments of the above mentioned projects that was posted in this thread some time back. I am eagerly waiting for any updates. Guys please update.

Ships that visited Kollam Cargo Port during the time of it's construction phase:

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The TSD Sindhuraj:

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The first ship from Maldives will anchor at the Kollam Cargo Port for loading construction materials today by afternoon. The ship will be there at the Kollam Cargo port for 12 days.

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Minister PK Gurudasan has mentioned that Kollam may get a City Police comissioner and Rural SP soon as the final procedures are in the process now.

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It is high time to post city police commissioners at Kollam and Trichur as both have become Municipal Corporations way back in October 2000.

Also, the rural SP for Kollam district should be posted in Kottarakkara. The procees and procedures has started some time back but are getting delayed which is a casual thing in Kerala.

The first ship from Maldives will anchor at the Kollam Cargo Port for loading construction materials today by afternoon. The ship will be there at the Kollam Cargo port for 12 days.

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Absolutely, great news. Atlast it is gonna happen. The first ship to export materials from Kollam Cargo Port to another country in the past 4 decades. Quite a memorable occassion when it leaves after 12 days. This is just a beginning. Reghu, thanks for wonderful update about the history of Kollam Port. There will be a great atmosphere at Thankasseri, I believe. I am waiting to see the snaps of the ship.:banana:

Infrastructure Kerala Ltd (Inkel), in which the Kerala Government has 26 per cent stake, has prepared a report on how to modernise the State’s traffic network, suggesting, among other things, a new inland navigation network, a friendship road corridor project and helicopter and seaplane service. For funding, Inkel recommends the PPP (public private partnership) mode.

In the Inkel report there is a proposal for starting seaplane services connecting Kannur, Kozhikode, Kochi, Alappuzha, Kollam, Thiruvananthapuram, Wayanad, Munnar and Kottayam where specified areas of water bodies can be used for landing and take-off.

The seaplane services in several towns can offer a credible alternative to airports requiring huge lands and large investments. The charter services for tourists can also be an interesting option.

The proposal for a helicopter service has also been mooted in the report to facilitate rapid transportation of people between airports, district headquarters, tourist and pilgrim centres. An efficient helicopter network in the State will complement the existing roads, rail and water transport and meet the growing transportation needs of development activities in the State.

Kerala has three international airports and the fourth one at Kannur is under implementation. But the internal transport infrastructure is inadequate to meet the growing needs of the people.

The wait still goes on as the lack of infrastructure and customs clearance prevents the ship from anchoring at Kollam Port. The ship is currently anchored at 5 Kms away from the Kollam Port and will dock the port only when the issue gets resolved.

The authorities did not arrange any reception at the port as they knew the lack of infrastrucuture may not allow the ship to dock at Kollam Port. The cranes available at the port is not suitable for the loading and unloading of the materials.

Anyway, the authoriites are planning to give a grant send off for the ship once it leaves the Kollam port after 2 weeks.

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As the Kollam - Punalur BG conversion is getting completed and Kundara fast developing as a major industrial town in Kerala, the traffic in the town is getting worsened as there is no railway overbridge in the heart of the town. The town will see terrific traffic blocks in the near future once the Kollam - Punalur BG line is commissioned. There are an array of railway gates in the heart of the town. The request for the railway overbridge was sanctioned 6 years agao but not procedures are taken till now. As Kundara about 15 Kms away from the heart of Kollam city is poised to become the hub of industrial developments of the district including the Kollam Techno Park, it is high time the authoriites to think about atleast two flyover in the town.

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Formalities hindered entry of ship from Maldives on Monday

KOLLAM: mv Anakuri from the Maldives will become the first cargo ship to call at the Kollam Cargo Port when it berths there on Tuesday morning.

High expectations over the port commencing operations on Monday were belied as formalities stumped the entry of the ship into the port. Anakuri was at anchor off the Kollam coast since Sunday afternoon.

The ad hoc formalities for clearing the entry had to come from the Customs Department.

This is because it not only involves giving the new port a formal permission to berth foreign ships but also sanction to engage in export and import activities.

Customs sources told The Hindu that they were informed of the arrival of the ship only on Sunday afternoon, which was a holiday.

Fisheries Director P.I. Shiekh Pareeth said that after hectic talks on Monday afternoon, Customs Commissioner J.P. Gregory gave the clearance.

Meanwhile, a labour dispute hampered the arrival of consignments meant for the ship. District Collector A. Shajahan has called a meeting with trade union leaders on Tuesday.

The port was inaugurated by Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan on October 19, 2007.

In spite of State government agencies holding talks with several shipping agents, none showed any interest to operate from the port. This resulted in the port lying idle for the past 20 months. Finally, a shipping company from the Maldives agreed to use the facilities here.

As the Kollam - Punalur BG conversion is getting completed and Kundara fast developing as a major industrial town in Kerala, the traffic in the town is getting worsened as there is no railway overbridge in the heart of the town. The town will see terrific traffic blocks in the near future once the Kollam - Punalur BG line is commissioned. There are an array of railway gates in the heart of the town. The request for the railway overbridge was sanctioned 6 years agao but not procedures are taken till now. As Kundara about 15 Kms away from the heart of Kollam city is poised to become the hub of industrial developments of the district including the Kollam Techno Park, it is high time the authoriites to think about atleast two flyover in the town.


The flyover at Kundara has already been mentioned by Peethambara Kuruppu along with the Kollam SP office flyover as a priority based work in the list that Kollam MP submitted to the railway minister E. Ahmed. It is really important as there are 3 railway gates in the heart tof Kundara town all passing through near the major junctions of the town. It is essential to have atleast 2 flyovers immedeately at Elampalloor and Mukkada Junction where the Kundara railway station is located. It is very important to complete the flyover construcution before the commissioning of the Kollam - Punalur BG conversion, though it seems it will take another 1 year even after the approval of the construction.

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Cargo vessel berths at Kollam port

Cargo operations begin today

Port’s draft to be raised from 6 m to 7 m soon

Rs.17-crore development work planned


KOLLAM: The newly-commissioned Kollam port received its first cargo vessel, mv Anakuri, on Tuesday.

The ship which entered the harbour in the morning was allowed to berth at the wharf at 4.45 p.m. Special Officer of Ports P.I. Shiekh Pareeth and Kollam Port Officer Haridasan were at the wharf to receive the ship and its crew members.

Cargo handling operations at the port will be formally launched at 3 p.m. on Wednesday at a function to be held at the wharf. The function will be attended by Labour Minister P.K. Gurudasan, Law Minister M. Vijayakumar and Fisheries Minister S. Sarma, N. Peethambara Kurup, MP, Mayor N. Padmalochanan and Kollam Bishop Stanley Roman.

The ship will carry sand and gravel, meant for construction activity, from here to Male.

Agreement with unions

Meanwhile, at a meeting called by District Collector A. Shajahan on Tuesday morning, it was agreed that the dispute over the loading activities at the new port will not be raised in respect of this ship. Trade unions agreed to allow the employees of the shipping agent to load the cargo into the ship. But the agreement will not stand with regard to ships that will arrive afterwards. In order to reach a consensus, the Collector had directed the Kollam Port Officer and the District Labour Officer to hold talk with representatives of the concerned trade unions and come to a conclusion within a week.

Mr. Pareeth said the port’s draft measured 6.5 m. This would be further increased to 7 m soon through dredging. This would enable bigger ships to call at the port. The second phase development will be carried out at a cost of Rs.17 crore.

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Association to submit memo

‘Industry could reduce costs by Rs.20 crore a year’

Says it will guarantee jobs for at least 1,000 people


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KOLLAM: While welcoming the commencement of cargo-handling operations at the Kollam port from Wednesday, the Cashew Manufacturers and Exporters Association has said that the port, however, does not suit the needs of the cashew industry here.

The association will submit memorandums to the Ministers P.K. Gurudasan, S. Sarma and M. Vijayakumar who will arrive for the launch of the cargo-handling operations.

Speaking to The Hindu on the contents of the memorandum, the office-bearers of the association said 60 per cent of the 6 lakh tonnes of raw cashew nuts imported every year reached Kollam for processing. The lorry freight charge for bringing one container of cashew nut from the Kochi port to Kollam was Rs.10,000. At least 20,000 containers were brought a year to Kollam and the freight charges worked out to Rs.15 crore a year.

Similarly, 75 per cent of the more than 1 lakh tonnes of cashew kernel exported was from Kollam. The transport charges for that touched Rs.5 crore annually. If the port was made to suit the needs of the cashew industry, the industry could reduce costs by around Rs.20 crore a year. This was also the best way to ensure the fast development of the port. It would guarantee jobs for at least 1,000 people at the port and generate indirect jobs for many more.

At present, 7,000 lorries depended on the Kochi port. If the Kollam port was developed, the number would be 1,000 lorries. Twenty-two shipping agents operated at Kochi. Development of the Kollam port would mean many of those agents opening offices in Kollam. Only with these could the port generate employment opportunities.

The association said Vallarpadam was being designed as a transshipment terminal and there would not be container stuffing activities there. The Kochi port was poised to become a port for cruise and break-bulk ships. So, stuffing activity would be shifted to feeder ports and the Kollam port had tremendous scope to take over that activity. So earnest steps should be taken to develop it into a full-fledged commercial port at the earliest.
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Cargo vessel berths at Kollam port

Cargo operations begin today

Port’s draft to be raised from 6 m to 7 m soon

Rs.17-crore development work planned


KOLLAM: The newly-commissioned Kollam port received its first cargo vessel, mv Anakuri, on Tuesday.

The ship which entered the harbour in the morning was allowed to berth at the wharf at 4.45 p.m. Special Officer of Ports P.I. Shiekh Pareeth and Kollam Port Officer Haridasan were at the wharf to receive the ship and its crew members.

Cargo handling operations at the port will be formally launched at 3 p.m. on Wednesday at a function to be held at the wharf. The function will be attended by Labour Minister P.K. Gurudasan, Law Minister M. Vijayakumar and Fisheries Minister S. Sarma, N. Peethambara Kurup, MP, Mayor N. Padmalochanan and Kollam Bishop Stanley Roman.

The ship will carry sand and gravel, meant for construction activity, from here to Male.

Agreement with unions

Meanwhile, at a meeting called by District Collector A. Shajahan on Tuesday morning, it was agreed that the dispute over the loading activities at the new port will not be raised in respect of this ship. Trade unions agreed to allow the employees of the shipping agent to load the cargo into the ship. But the agreement will not stand with regard to ships that will arrive afterwards. In order to reach a consensus, the Collector had directed the Kollam Port Officer and the District Labour Officer to hold talk with representatives of the concerned trade unions and come to a conclusion within a week.

Mr. Pareeth said the port’s draft measured 6.5 m. This would be further increased to 7 m soon through dredging. This would enable bigger ships to call at the port. The second phase development will be carried out at a cost of Rs.17 crore.


Great News....:banana:

The news that Rs. 17 crore phase II work begins shortly is good sign. Also it is great to hear that the wharf lenght will be increased to 200 mtres and the depth of the port to 10 meters. Once this is achieved, Kollam port can receive any big ships and will become a full-fledged port. Though Cochin Port Trust has said that Kollam Port can become a feeder port for Cochin, how the plans are going to work out they have to be more clear. Since, Kollam port is more close to the Lakshdweep islands and the import and export of constructuion materials, hill range products, spices, vegetables, fruits, cashew, coir and mineral are very easy compared to the other ports as it is available in plenty here, the potential of a more expanded and comprehensive Cargo Port should be planned with all the infrastructure and amenities.

Let us hope the Rs. 17 crore phase II will fulfill most of the infrastructure demands.

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Since, E. Ahmed is the railway minister, I think the issue related to the land aquisition near to the Chineese Place will be over soon and the work will get expedited as it is causing traffic in the heart of the city.

Railways should hand over the Railway quarters land which is relatively lying idle in the heart of the city in lieu of the land they will receive near to the Upasana Hospital for construction of the 2nd Entance for Kollam Junction Railway station. The corporation has plans to construct a bus terminus at the Railway quarters land.

All these issue have to be sorted out for the development of the heart of the city - Chinnakkada.^^

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Located at the historic town Kundara which is the main industrial centre of Kollam


A total area of 42 acres which can be expanded further


Beautiful scenic location with beautiful Ashtamudi lake on all three sides


Special Economic Zone status granted by the Central Govt


100000 sq.ft of built-up space with plug and play infrastructure and incubation facilities


Fully developed plots of various sizes starting from 2 acres to 5 acres


15 KMs away from city centre and Kollam Junction Railway station which will have a dedicated MEMU service to Trivandrum in the immedeate future


Kundara Railway Station is just 2 KMs away from the site and will be well connected by the Braud Gauge line to Kollam Junction Railway Station


70 Kms away (1 hour) from Trivandrum International Airport and 3 hours from Kochin International Airport


Trivandrum Techno Park is just 63 KMs away and Ambalapuzha Info Park is 70 Kms away


Premier institution TKM Engineering college only 7 Kms away from the park site


TIT and TIM (both TKM institutions) just 10 Kms away from the site


First phase of the built up space will be completed by July 2010

^^ I saw direction boards of Kollam technopark starting from Kazhakootam already in place last week.

By the way, r those renderings final. they looks exactly same as Technopark phase III

^^ I saw direction boards of Kollam technopark starting from Kazhakootam already in place last week.

By the way, r those renderings final. they looks exactly same as Technopark phase III

Yaar, there are confusions going around in the renderings that are given in the IT portal website. The same confusion is there with Koratty park as well. The site shows this as the sketch under the Kollam Techno Park heading. Though, there might be changes, this is really something to be cheered about.

It was regular story in Kollam about so many proposals but nothing gets materialized in its true abstract.

But I think, there is change in this situation now. See, Kollam Port, though a lot has to be done to make it a full fledged port, has become a reality now. MEMU is another important thing that is picking its pace. The next big thing is Kollam Techno Park and Kollam Cashew Board.

We should appreciate the efforts of the new MPs Peethambara Kuruppu and Kodikunnil Suresh as they are really working hard to materialize their priority list. We should not forget E. Ahmed as he started with a bang for Kollam restoring the stops for Island Express at Sasthancotta, Parashuram Express at Paravur and a new train from New Delhi to Kochuveli.

All are waiting for July 3 for the Railway Budget.:banana:

The tender for the Punalur - Schencottah BG conversion works has been invited. The ground works tender for the section from Scencottah to Bhagavathipuram has been invited through internet. The tender is for the 45 Kms stretch BG conversion and an the tender amount comes to the tune of 90 crores.

The Kollam - Punalur BG conversion is expected to be completed before Onam though Railways has officially announced the date as February 2010.
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The authorities has started demolishing government office buidings which were the hindrance for the development for the Aashramam link road. They have demolished the Inland Navigation office and the police quarters near to the Tamarind Easy Hotel.

The first phase of the link road was completed in quick pace and the second phase was going on in a snails pace. Minister P.K Gurudasan has resolved the issues and the work of the small bridge in the section will be resumed.

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KOLLAM: Ports Minister M. Vijayakumar has said the State government has already initiated measures to develop the minor port in Kollam into a major one.

He said this while inaugurating the cargo handling operations at the newly-commissioned Kollam port on Wednesday. The Minister inaugurated the cargo handling operations by giving the thumbs-up to a crane for lifting a bag of ballast and load the same into the ship. The vessel, mv Anakuri, is carrying a consignment of building materials comprising sand and ballast from here to the Maldives.

Mr. Vijayakumar said the government had appointed the New York-based professional service organisation Deloitte as the consultant for the development of the port.

The development would be through public-private partnership. Later, global tenders would be floated for the purpose. The government had also started the process of enabling passenger ships to operate from the port. The Minicoy Island offered tremendous scope in this connection, he said.

The Kollam port has a good basin with a draft of 7 m. This will be soon increased to 10 m so as to enable ships with 50,000 DWT to call at the port. The length of the wharf will also be increased to 220 m from the present 116 m.

In his presidential address, Labour Minister P.K. Gurudasan said the cashew industry was poised to benefit a lot from the port. The loading and unloading system at sea ports were not what it used to be in the past. Therefore, when the the port becomes full-fledged, the loading system would have to get streamlined accordingly, he said.

He called for the cooperation of all concerned in helping the development of the Kollam port into a major one at the earliest.

Fisheries Minister S. Sarma, in his address, said that at a time when all export activity was hit by recession, the arrival of a ship to carry a load of building materials from here to the Maldives was a big achievement. He said the dredging work in the harbour, at a cost of Rs.2 crore, would commence on June 30. It would be completed in three or four months.

Captain of the ship A.A. Rishad was presented a golden shawl and a memento. The shipping agent was also honoured. Chief Engineer of the Harbour Engineering Department N. Mohan Kumar read the report. N. Peethambara Kurup, MP, Mayor N. Padmalochanan, district panchayat president K. Somaprasad, Principal Secretary, Ports, L. Radhakrishnan and Fisheries Director P.I. Shiekh Pareeth also spoke. ^^

Good to see Kollam Port kicking off:)

The tender for the Punalur - Schencottah BG conversion works has been invited. The ground works tender for the section from Scencottah to Bhagavathipuram has been invited through internet. The tender is for the 45 Kms stretch BG conversion and an the tender amount comes to the tune of 90 crores.

The Kollam - Punalur BG conversion is expected to be completed before Onam though Railways has officially announced the date as February 2010.
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Good to see the Punalur - Schencottah section BG converstion work is about to start.

The MPs are doing a great job especially Kodikunnil Suresh. With E. Ahmed is appointed at the helm of Kerala Railway development association the Kollam - Punalur BG conversion can be completed by 2 months and the Punalur - Schencotta work by 2011.

If Kerala gets a Railway Zone in this budget, I think all the works will go according to the scheduled plan. Now, the MPs and the ministers should consolidate their efforts to secure the Kerala South Coastal Railway Zone.:banana:

The Railway Passengers’ Association has submitted a memorandum to Union Minister of State for Railways E Ahmed to get more projects sanctioned for the State in the coming Railway Budget.

The memorandum was submitted by a team led by Association president S Ullaskumar, according to a press release issued by the Association here on Wednesday.

Owning to the increase in bus fares and the poor condition of the roads, the number of passengers in the State depending on trains have been increasing daily. However, the Railway’s facilities, including the number of trains, platform facilities and other services in the State are alarmingly inadequate, the Association stated in the memorandum.

The Association also urged the authorities to set up a special railway zone for the State, implement electrified double-track networks and introduce Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (Memu) trains in the Kozhikode- Ernakulam-Kollam-Thiruvananthapuram route.

It also demanded more daily trains from Thiruvananthapuram and Malabar to Bangalore and the extension of the services of passenger trains.

It was a festival mood in the city especially at Thankasseri and Vaddy yesterday. Thousands of people from the interior and rural areas of the district thronged to the port site to see the first cargo ship that berthed at the 2500 year old historic port.

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With the Kollam port poised to become a major port in the immedeate future, it heralds a new era for the historic port city of Kollam as it emerges again as a commercial port city.

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Port minister M Vijayakumar said that 6 ports in Kerala including Kollam will be developed as major ports and will make Kerala a port state like that of Gujarat. He said all the necessary steps have been taken to make Kollam a major port in the imminent future.

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Minister PK Gurudasan has said that Kollam is already been declared as an export excellence city and the port operation will give the necesary impetus for securing the Kollam Cashew Board.

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The two important roads that connects the tourist town Paravur will be widened and a project estimate worth 18 crores has been submitted in this regard. The roads that are widened under this project are:


Paravur - Paripally


Chathanoor - Paravur


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A 10 - storeyed Shopping Complex that cost 31.27 crores of rupees is to come up Karunagapally trasport Depot. The exisiting transport bus stand will be shifted to another place for making space available for the 273605 sq.ft area building.

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A global Tender for Kollam Port development - Port minister M Vijaya Kumar


Dredging work of Kollam Port to 10 metres to start within June 30 - Fisheries minister S Sharma


Port Development to be expedited - Labour minister and Kollam MLA PK Gurudasan

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It was a festival mood in the city especially at Thankasseri and Vaddy yesterday. Thousands of people from the interior and rural area of the city thronged to the port site to see the first cargo ship that berthe at the 2500 year old historic port.

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Absolutely correct!!. It is indeed a great time for the people of Thankasseri as it was the abode of all the travellers from foreign countries like Britain, Holland, Portugal, China and the Arab gulf.

I have heard a lot of stories about the proud past of Thankasseri Port especially from the Anglo Indian community settled there. They are really proud to say that their pedigree is so much associated with the 2500 year old port.

At this point of time, it is the re-emergence of the Thankasseri Anglo Indian Village as well. The port will bring lot of commercial prospects within Thankasseri itself and already we are seeing a lot of development initiatives for Thankasseri region in tourism sector. The Fort is getting renovated, a sea park and a beautiful beach is scaped near to the Fort. A bus terminal is proposed for Thankasseri as it is a terminating point.

The Light House area can be fully developed into a tourist spot as all the 3 sides of this site is surrounded by the Arabian sea.:banana:

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Kudos to ministers M Vijaya Kumar, PK Gurdasan and S Sharma. It was really a combined and consolidated efforts of these ministers that helped in realizing the most cherished dream of Kollam.

The development projects envisaged by these ministers have received good support by the Kollam MP Peethambara Kuruppu as well. The result really shows that development is the key to success irrespective of any political gains.

The Kollam port development initiatives envisaged by these ministers should be get more support from the people and all the other political parties. Kollam is on the verge of entering into an elite league of major port cities in India.:cheers:

The Maldives ship Anakuri will leave Kollam port today carrying sand, metal, vegetables and eggs.The sand was brought from Chenankara in Thevalakkara and metal from Ayoor. The additinal expense for the ship to stay an extra day in the port comes to the tune of 1.5 lakhs.

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Absolutely correct!!. It is indeed a great time for the people of Thankasseri as it was the abode of all the travellers from foreign countries like Britain, Holland, Portugal, China and the Arab gulf.

I have heard a lot of stories about the proud past of Thankasseri port especially from the Anglo Indian community settled there. There are proud to say that there pedigree belongs is so much associated with the 2500 year old port.

At this point of time, it is the re-emergence of the Thankasseri Anglo Indian Village as well. The port will bring lot of commercial prospects within Thankasseri itself and already we are seeing lot of development initiatives as far tourism of the Thankasseri region is comcerned. The Fort is getting renovated, a sea park and beautiful beach is scaped near to the Fort. A bus terminal is proposed for Thankasseri as it is a terminating point.

The clock tower area can be fully developed into a tourism area as all the 3 sides of this site is surrounded by the Arabian sea.:banana:



[b]this is great news.kollam can surely regain its past glory of being a port city.i think this is golden era for kollam with projects like technopark,cargo port,memu services,cashew board,ashtamudi tourism circuit,kollam-shencotta bg convnetc going on really well.

no wonder more hotel chains and builders are now showing interest in kollam [:lol:

Noted animation director Robert H. Bob will inaugurate ‘Ants’, an animation school at a function in the city today. He will also address a seminar on the production of animation cinema.^^

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The exclusive villas on offer at Sahya Serenity are located in a virgin grove of coconut palms, a few minutes drive from the city centre at Keralapuram. It's an ideal location for those who cherish a life of peace and tranquility while still being able to enjoy a vibrant cosmopolitan lifestyle seen in the cities.


Near Karikode - educational hub of Kollam, with premier institutions like the TKM Group of Colleges, Travancore Medical College, SN Public School, Oxford School etc. all within a radius of 3 Kms


Easy accessibility to the city - Chinnakada - 7 kms / Railway Station - 8 kms / NH 47 - 7 Kms / NH 208 - 500 mts


Close to the proposed Kollam IT Park @ Kundara

With the Kottarakkara Thamburan museum and heritage centre to be under one umbrella soon, Kottarakkara is poised to re-emerge as the cultural centre of Kollam. Kottarakkara is district's traditional arts and cultural hub. Kudos to the government for taking the initial steps to give the much needed fillip in this direction. Kottarakkara badly needs a national level Kalamandalam model arts and crafts centre and institute which it thoroughly deserves for its rich past and tradition in dance forms, literature and music. Hope the authorities will move forward in this direction.

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The cargo ships from Maldives can save a good amount of money due to the lesser distance from Kollam Port to Maldives and lesser fuel consumption.

It will take 36 hours from Maldives to reach Tuticorin while the ship can reach Kollam under 24 hours. The distance saved can save about 1.5 tons of fuel.

It expected that 2 to 3 ships from Maldives will call at Kollam port in one week if the port work progress flourishes with the same momentum. This will pave way for the overall development of the region and the city in specific.^^

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The Maldives ship Anakuri will leave the port on Monday carrying metals, sand, vegetables and half a lakh eggs. The shipping agency Linus is planning to export goods from Kollam in the future as it can save time and fuel.

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The port authorities have confirmed that passenger ships and cargo ships will ply between Kollam Port and Minicoy Island from August 2009 onwards. Minicoy is a small island which is part of the Lakshadweep Islands.:banana:

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The cargo ships from Maldives can save a good amount of money due to the lesser distance from Kollam Port to Maldives and lesser fuel consumption.

It will take 36 hours from Maldives to reach Tuticorin while the ship can reach Kollam under 24 hours. The distance saved can save about 1.5 tons of fuel.

It expected that 2 to 3 ships from Maldives will call at Kollam port in one week if the port work progress flourishes with the same momentum. This will pave way for the overall development of the region and the city in specific.^^

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Yes... Kollam Bazar and Kollam Market, Main Road and Paikada Road.....all the main big whole sale trading centres are just 1 to 2 KMs away from Kollam Port. This makes export of vegetables, stationaries and groceries to Maldives or Lakshadives easy and comforatable. This is the advantage for Kollam port when compared to the nearest port.

Cargo export like sand, metal, coir and mineral will be easy from Kollam as all these materials are available in the district in abundance compared to the other ports in other districts.

Anyway, another ship called Fortune, again from Maldives is expected to anchor at Kollam next week. This will establish a good trade and export relationship between Kollam and Maldives. Once the paasenger ship service gets started, the healthcare and tourism sector in Kollam get a inspiring impetus. The future looks bright and sunny for Kollam city:banana:

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The Maldives ship Anakuri will leave Kollam port tomorrow (22nd June) with cargo. It will be a historic moment for this 2500 year old port as it will be first occassion that cargo is exported from Kollam since the past 4 decades.

Another ship, again from Maldives called Fortune will arrive at Kollam port next week for exporting vegetables from Kollam to Maldives.

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The widening of the Aashramam - Kappalandimukku road 4 - laning has started. The tarring of the existing road is been removed as part of the work. The laying of pipes for irrigation is completed till Nairs Hospital junction. There are man holes located at each 30 metres of the road to make it easy for the future repair works related to water supply. The road will have 15 metres of width with 1.5 metres wide footpaths on either side.

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The port authorities has facilated the opportunity for the Sunday crowd at Kollam beach to see the Maldives ship Anakuri and go inside the ship. The timing will be 5 to 7 PM. The ship was attracting a lot of people from the city and the district the last couple of days. People of Kollam are so excited about the ships arrival and are thronging to the site.

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As the railway budget is just a fortnight away, the most important railway demand from central Kerala is the implementation of the Sabari Railway line which will connect the Kollam Scehncottah railway line at Punalur town in the district.

Also, there is a demand for an alternate line that starts from Thakazhi in Alleppy district and connects the Kollam - Schencottah railway line at Punalur.

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The MG Park view in the beach from the one side of the Ecotel:

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Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty at Beach Orchid

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Bollywood singer Kavitha Krishnamurthy and family at Beach Orchid:

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The widening of the Aashramam - Kappalandimukku road 4 - laning has started. The tarring of the existing road is been removed as part of the work. The road will have 15 metres of width with 1.5 metres wide footpaths on either side.


The width was compromised to save the trees. The width to be achieved will be 15 metres from Aashramam maidan to Kadappakkada with 1.5 metres of footpath on either sides excluding the road width. But the stretch from Kadappakkada overbridge to Kappalandimukku is narrow compared to the Aashramam - Kadapakkada stretch. I think the authorities should widen this stretch to 15 - 20 metres as there no trees on either sides and pass through the busy Kadappakkada - Chemmanmukku junction. They can plant trees on either sides after the required width is acquired.

Once widened with beautiful footpaths, this road will become th best city road in Kollam city with trees on either side.:banana:

As the railway budget is just a fortnight away, the most important railway demand from central Kerala is the implementation of the Sabari Railway line which will connect the Kollam Scehncottah railway line at Punalur town in the district.

Also, there is a demand for an alternate line that starts from Thakazhi in Alleppy district and connects the Kollam - Schencottah railway line at Punalur.


Yaar, you missed out the Chengannur - Kottarakkara line. Sabari Railway line should be started as soon as possible. It is very important for the pilgrims from the other parts of India to reach Sabarimala easily. The Sabari railway line should be connected to Kottarkkara or Punalur.

Once, the Sabari railway line is connected to the Kollam - Scencottah BG line (Kollam - Punalur stretch to be inaugrated shortly), more trains can be operated from Kollam and to Kollam passing through Sabarimala or Erumeli and will make Kollam Junction the terminal Junction for Sabarimala trains.^^

Two cargo ships from Kollam to Minicoy every week starting from August 2009


Passenger Ships to Minicoy from Kollam shortly


More shipping agents interested to operate cargo export from Kollam as it is ideally located

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3rd as well as last phase of the link road work starts in one weeks time


Buildings in the stretch has been dismantled and the process will be over this week


Culvert work will be completed within 4 months


Road to have 21 metres wide with footpaths and fencing


One side of the road is the beautiful Ashtamudi Lake


Road starts from KSRTC Bus Stand and ends at Munneshran Kovil joining Residency road

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A large crowd thronged to the Kollam Port to see the ship Anakuri yesterday. The people were allowed to enter the ship. All were excited to see a ship being loaded with cargo at Kollam port after 4 decades.

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KOLLAM: Employees of the Port Department who have been posted at the newly commissioned Kollam port are cashing in on the arrival of the maiden cargo ship at the port. They are levying an ‘unauthorised’ entry fee of Rs.5 per head from the public for entering the port complex to have a close look at the ship.

The ship, which arrived at the port on June 16, has become a big attraction of the city. Hundreds of persons are arriving at the port to see the ship, which will be there till Wednesday.

On payment of the fee, a ‘vehicle pass’ is issued to the visitors. On Saturday, Sunday and Monday there were big queues of visitors to buy the ticket, being issued from the Customs House complex, a little away from the entry gate to the port.

On Sunday, more than 5,000 people visited the ship. By 7 p.m. on Monday, more than 2,000 tickets were understood to have been issued.

When asked about it, Special Officer, Ports, P.I. Sheikh Pareeth said the fee was unauthorised. He said the entry of visitors to the port was not permitted. However, since it is the first ship calling at the new port, a lot of visitors are expected and the department does not want to disappoint them. The Ports Department has not imposed a fee for this, he said.

District Collector A. Shajahan also said the fee was unauthorised. He said he would take up the issue with the Port Department officials concerned.

Two cargo ships from Kollam to Minicoy every week starting from August 2009


Passenger Ships to Minicoy from Kollam shortly


More shipping agents interested to operate cargo export from Kollam as it is ideally located



Good to see that Tuticorin based agents are interested in Kollam Port. Moreover, once the Kollam - Scehncottah, BG conversion is over there can be a direct railway link between Kollam and Tuticorin which will complement the development prospects of both the port cities. Kollam is the ideal place for exporting cargo to Lakshdeep Islands and Maldives. Also, export and import of cargo to the ports in Gujarath is more economical from Kollam compared to Tuticorin as Kollam Port lies in the Arabian coast.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala government has reiterated its demand to the Centre for setting up a Cashew Development Board, headquartered at Kollam, the hub of cashew industry in the country, the Minister for Labour and Cashew, Mr P K Gurudasan said in the state assembly on Tuesday.

Replying to a calling attention motion in this regard, he said that if necessary, a joint delegation comprising members from ruling and opposition parties, would meet the Prime Minister, Mr Manmohan Singh to take up the matter.

He said a similar demand had been made during the previous UPA government and the Centre had taken 'some steps' to set up the Board. The Industry was now facing a crisis due to the global meltdown as exports to the US have come down drastically.

The price of cashew nuts in the international market has also come down. But the price of raw cashews imported mainly from African countries, have not shown any decline, he pointed out.

The industry, which employs nearly three lakh people plays a vital role in the state's economy. The Industry also earns Rs 2,500 crore in foreign exchange, he said.

The Board would rejuvenate the sector and help provide guidance to the Industry to face challenges and also meet international competition, he added.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala government has reiterated its demand to the Centre for setting up a Cashew Development Board, headquartered at Kollam, the hub of cashew industry in the country, the Minister for Labour and Cashew, Mr P K Gurudasan said in the state assembly on Tuesday.

Replying to a calling attention motion in this regard, he said that if necessary, a joint delegation comprising members from ruling and opposition parties, would meet the Prime Minister, Mr Manmohan Singh to take up the matter.

He said a similar demand had been made during the previous UPA government and the Centre had taken 'some steps' to set up the Board. The Industry was now facing a crisis due to the global meltdown as exports to the US have come down drastically.

The price of cashew nuts in the international market has also come down. But the price of raw cashews imported mainly from African countries, have not shown any decline, he pointed out.

The industry, which employs nearly three lakh people plays a vital role in the state's economy. The Industry also earns Rs 2,500 crore in foreign exchange, he said.

The Board would rejuvenate the sector and help provide guidance to the Industry to face challenges and also meet international competition, he added.

Yes... the Cashew board is the next big thing that Kollam looks forward after Kollam Port. If the Cashew Board becomes a reality within one year, Kollam will see a plethora of development activities in the future.

The next one year is very important for Kollam as a lot of projects are mooted and are in the development stage. It is very important that the ministers and concerned legislative members along with the public should consolidate their efforts to make sure that these projects get materialized within the stipulated time.

The important projects are the Kollam Port development as a major port with all infrastrucure, the Kollam Cashew Board formation, the Kollam Techno Park development at Kundara, Kollam - Punalur - Schencottah BG conversion, Kollam MEMU Terminal completion, Kollam Titanium Sponge Factory, Ashtamudi Lake Circuit project, Neendakara LPG Terminal, Maritime Institute at Neendakara Port, the ESI hospital at Paripally, Kollam - Paravoor - Varkala coastal road, Kollam - Kovalam National Waterway project completion with rehabilitation of the people living on the canal banks, Kollam Bypass completion, Kollam SP office Flyover completion, Aashramam Link Road completion, Hockey stadium and Sports complex at Ashramam, Indoor stadium near to LBS stadium and Thirumullavaram Beach development.

Rs. 77 crore tender has been invited for the Punalur - Scehncottah BG conversion.

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Yes... the Cashew board is the next big thing that Kollam looks forward after Kollam Port. If the Cashew Board becomes a reality within one year, Kollam will see a plethora of development activities in the future.

The next one year is very important for Kollam as a lot of projects are mooted and are in the development stage. It is very important that the ministers and concerned legislative members along with the public should consolidate their efforts to make sure that these projects get materialized within the stipulated time.

The important projects are the Kollam Port development as a major port with all infrastrucure, the Kollam Cashew Board formation, the Kollam Techno Park development at Kundara, Kollam - Punalur - Schencottah BG conversion, Kollam MEMU Terminal completion, Kollam Titanium Sponge Factory, Ashtamudi Lake Circuit project, Neendakara LPG Terminal, Maritime Institute at Neendakara Port, the ESI hospital at Paripally, Kollam - Paravoor - Varkala coastal road, Kollam - Kovalam National Waterway project completion with rehabilitation of the people living on the canal banks, Kollam Bypass completion, Kollam SP office Flyover completion, Aashramam Link Road completion, Hockey stadium and Sports complex at Ashramam, Indoor stadium near to LBS stadium and Thirumullavaram Beach development.

Yes.. these projects completion will see Kollam forging forward to become one of the important cities in India. Kollam Port and Kollam Cashew board holds key among the bunch. Since Kollam was a great commercial city in the past and it has a great potential to emulate its proud past as the natural resources are here...all that it require is the attention of the authorities and the positive attitude of the elected representatives as well as the public towards development initiatives.^^

KOLLAM: The maiden cargo handling operation by the 1,000-dwt (deadweight tonnage) ship MV Anakuri at the newly commissioned Kollam Port is a “big success,” according to the shipping agent, the exporter and the cargo purchaser who chartered the ship. This has paved the way for the arrival of the next ship soon.

There was apprehension on how the project would shape out after loading activities were suspended following labour problems and there was uncertainty over when it would resume.

The shipping agent, Antony Michael Kishore, and the cargo purchaser, Mohammed Wahid, reached Kollam on Wednesday with a team of expert loading workers and resumed the loading operations. Instead of the small bags, the sand was filled in bags of one-tonne capacity and loaded onto the ship.

Mr. Kishore said the apprehension about the operations was triggered by the initial hiccups that a newly commissioned port faced. He said they preferred Kollam to Tuticorin for the Maldives operation, as the sailing time from Kollam to Male was only 30 hours as against 48 hours from Tuticorin. The ship is now scheduled to receive its full load by Thursday evening and will set sail soon after or on Friday morning.

Mr. Kishore, Mr. Wahid and a representative of the export company, Jinson K.J., told The Hindu that they were satisfied with the operations at the Kollam Port and they would soon bring a 1,500-dwt ship, MV Raina to Kollam to carry the same consignment.

Mr. Wahid said the voyage from the Maldives to Kollam took 14 days. MV Anakuri had left the Male port for Kollam on June 11 and due to technical problems relating to clearance for entering the new port, the ship had to remain anchored off the Kollam coast for almost five days awaiting clearance.

Consignments

The ship berthed at Kollam usually takes only 10 hours to complete loading or five hours to discharge when operating from the Tuticorin Port, Mr. Kishore said. It means after berthing the ship can discharge, load and set sail within 30 hours.

The ship berthed at the wharf on June 16 to load a consignment of building materials comprising sand and gravel for the Maldives. Some amount of perishables, such as vegetables and eggs, were scheduled to be loaded shortly before the ship was to set sail. But loading problems cropped up following which the loading activities were suspended.

Mr. Kishore said they would bring their own bigger capacity crane too in the next ship.

He said as the shipping agent, he would only be happy to entrust the loading work to the local people provided the work was done in a professional manner.

Happy to know that Kollam port handled a ship meant for international cargo, on it first consignment itself.

Happy to know that Kollam port handled a ship meant for international cargo, on it first consignment itself.

Yes...yaar. It was a great success. It is a new era as far as Kollam development is concerned. 3 more ships are going t call at the port within the next couple of weeks. Shipping agents find Kollam an ideal port as it is quite near for countries like Maldives and the Indian Union Territory Lakshadives for importing cargo from Kollam. Infrastructure line good cranes are lacking at Kollam port....but shipping agents are even ready to bring their own cranes in the ship for loading and unloading.

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Rs. 421 crores will be spent for tourism projects in Kerala which includes the prestigious Cruise circuit project at Ashtamudi Lake.

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The discussion regarding re-opening Alind Kundara has started.

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As part of the BG conversion work, the MG service between Punalur and Scencottah will be stopped.

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The sounding survey for deepening the Kollam Port has started.

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One of the biggest and important railway stations in Kerala - the Kollam Junction is lacking a lot of infrastructural and facilities which it should get deservedly. It is utter neglect from the authorities as they are turning a Nelson's eyes toward the station basic development issues when the station is gearing up for the BG conversion final stages and MEMU terminal work.

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Rs. 77 crore tender has been invited for the Punalur - Scehncottah BG conversion.



Great to see the MP's from the districts efforts are paying off. As mentioned earlier it is imperative that the Kollam - Punalur BG conversion along with the MEMU Terminal base at Kollam Junction should be completed by this year itself. All should exert pressure at the centre and the Railway minister for this. It is most ripend time for Kerala to secure their rights from the Railways as we have enough representatives and a railway minister from Kerala. A railway zone is very much required for Kerla and the Kollam - Schencotta section should be put under a Kerala division and Zone for its full fledged development. I believe that since the Kollam - Schencottah stretch was under the Madurai division and it was the main reason that the stations in these sections are not having good development and infrastructure. It should be brought under the Trivandrum division.

Happy to know that Kollam port handled a ship meant for international cargo, on it first consignment itself.

Yes.. it is indeed a happy moment for all Kollamaites that the first cargo is going to a foreign country. But the lack of infrastrucute development including lack of good cranes are going to be a hindrance for the development of the port.

Already the shipping agents have repeatedly remarked about that. If atleast the authorities can make sure the necessary cranes and friendly labour atmosphere...Kollam Port will flourish in these condition as well.

So the basic things....authorities...please ...immedeate requirerment of Kollam Port are those basic things like cranes and a bunch of labour friendly employees...Hope the authorities are paying attention.

Yes...yaar. It was a great success. It is a new era as far as Kollam development is concerned. 3 more ships are going t call at the port within the next couple of weeks. Shipping agents find Kollam an ideal port as it is quite near for countries like Maldives and the Indian Union Territory Lakshadives for importing cargo from Kollam. Infrastructure line good cranes are lacking at Kollam port....but shipping agents are even ready to bring their own cranes in the ship for loading and unloading.

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Reghu..before we can become really happy...I think the authorities should make sure the most basic infrastructure in place. 'Fortune' is not going to anchor at Kollam Port and Anakuri will come back only after the cranes are installed. Moreover, some shipping agents are not happy with the width of the Wharf. They demand more width for the wharf so that the cargo handling and truck traffic will be smoother.

I think these issues are going to pester the port in the coming days and the authorities have to do something immedeately to sustain the excitment and momentum generated by the arrival of Anakuria to continue at that level..

If no ships come in the next two weeks the blame truly lies with the Port authorities.

Rs. 421 crores will be spent for tourism projects in Kerala which includes the prestigious Cruise circuit project at Ashtamudi Lake.

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Reghu, is this different from the Ashtamudi Lake Circuit Project? Or is Cruise circuit project at Ashtamudi Lake another name for Ashtamudi Lake Circuit Project?

They have mooted the Ashtamudi Lake Circuit Project since last year..but have not heard about any work progress in any parts of the Ashtamudi lake side.

If these projects are two differnt ones...it will be better for the district as 2 projects will be implemented and more funds allocation.

KOLLAM: The annual general body meeting of the Quilon Merchants’ Chamber of Commerce has called upon the State government, the district administration and the city Corporation to help boost trade in the city.

In a statement, chamber general secretary Netaji B. Rajendran said the project to renovate the Kollam canal should be completed at the earliest.

It demanded more flyovers linking various parts of the city. The link road from Asramam to the KSRTC depot which was under construction should be extended to Thoppil Kadavu.

Road development

The development of the road connecting Ramankulangara to the Taluk Office junction should be taken up and completed at the earliest, it said.

The meeting expressed concern over the delay in completing gauge conversion on the Punalur-Kollam railway section.

All ponds under the city Corporation should be cleaned and their sidewalls built. The functioning of the abattoir should not lead to complaints.

The meeting demanded a proper private bus stand. It called upon the corporation authorities to drop the proposed Chinnakada underpass project.

KOLLAM: m.v. Anakuri, the maiden ship to call at the Kollam port on June 15, left at 4.05 p.m. on Sunday for the Maldives with a cargo of 900 tonnes of building materials and 19 tonnes of perishables.

While shippers found the port the most favourable location on the Indian coast for operations to the Maldives, a wrangle between two shipping agents and dispute over loading rights are causing concern.

The showdown forced the port authorities to ban the entry of a shipping agent, Xavier Dcruz, into the port.

Ironically, Mr. Dcruz was honoured by Ports Minister M. Vijayakumar at a function at the wharf on June 17 for being instrumental in bringing the ship to the port.

While it takes less than ten hours to load the cargo Anakuri is carrying, she was forced to remain at the port for 14 days to load the cargo following a labour dispute.

As per an understanding reached with the port authorities, Mr. Dcruz was allowed to bring his own workers for the ship’s cargo handling.

The cargo handling operation was inaugurated on June 17 by Mr. Vijayakumar in the presence of Ministers P.K. Gurudasan and S. Sarma.

Not even 25 per cent of the cargo was loaded even after eight days and the loading activity came to a standstill with the men brought by Mr. Dcruz leaving the scene.

Mohammed Wahid, who chartered the ship, rushed to Kollam with a team of workers led by another shipping agent, Antony Kishore from Tuticorin, on June 24.

Within 24 hours, the entire 900 tonnes of building materials were loaded into the ship. But a dispute erupted when Mr. Kishore started loading the perishables.

Mr. Dcruz went on a hunger strike on the wharf on Saturday to protest against the loading of perishables. His contention was that he had brought the ship to Kollam and so the perishables should be loaded in his name.

As the situation deteriorated, the port authorities ordered Mr. Kishore and his men to leave the port area.

Talks held

The port authorities held discussions separately with both the shipping agents. Special officer of the port P.I. Shiekh Pareeth told The Hindu that it was decided to open two letters of credit, one in the name of Mr. Dcruz for the building materials and the other in favour of Mr. Kishore for the perishables.

Though Mr. Dcruz continued to object, the authorities stood firm. The ship’s crew then loaded the perishables after which Anakuri was able to leave the port with her full load of cargo.

Mr. Pareeth said Mr. Kishore and Mr. Wahid expressed satisfaction at the operations and gave an assurance on brining the next ship to Kollam.

KOLLAM: m.v. Anakuri, the maiden ship to call at the Kollam port on June 15, left at 4.05 p.m. on Sunday for the Maldives with a cargo of 900 tonnes of building materials and 19 tonnes of perishables.

While shippers found the port the most favourable location on the Indian coast for operations to the Maldives, a wrangle between two shipping agents and dispute over loading rights are causing concern.

The showdown forced the port authorities to ban the entry of a shipping agent, Xavier Dcruz, into the port.

Ironically, Mr. Dcruz was honoured by Ports Minister M. Vijayakumar at a function at the wharf on June 17 for being instrumental in bringing the ship to the port.

While it takes less than ten hours to load the cargo Anakuri is carrying, she was forced to remain at the port for 14 days to load the cargo following a labour dispute.

As per an understanding reached with the port authorities, Mr. Dcruz was allowed to bring his own workers for the ship’s cargo handling.

The cargo handling operation was inaugurated on June 17 by Mr. Vijayakumar in the presence of Ministers P.K. Gurudasan and S. Sarma.

Not even 25 per cent of the cargo was loaded even after eight days and the loading activity came to a standstill with the men brought by Mr. Dcruz leaving the scene.

Mohammed Wahid, who chartered the ship, rushed to Kollam with a team of workers led by another shipping agent, Antony Kishore from Tuticorin, on June 24.

Within 24 hours, the entire 900 tonnes of building materials were loaded into the ship. But a dispute erupted when Mr. Kishore started loading the perishables.

Mr. Dcruz went on a hunger strike on the wharf on Saturday to protest against the loading of perishables. His contention was that he had brought the ship to Kollam and so the perishables should be loaded in his name.

As the situation deteriorated, the port authorities ordered Mr. Kishore and his men to leave the port area.

Talks held

The port authorities held discussions separately with both the shipping agents. Special officer of the port P.I. Shiekh Pareeth told The Hindu that it was decided to open two letters of credit, one in the name of Mr. Dcruz for the building materials and the other in favour of Mr. Kishore for the perishables.

Though Mr. Dcruz continued to object, the authorities stood firm. The ship’s crew then loaded the perishables after which Anakuri was able to leave the port with her full load of cargo.

Mr. Pareeth said Mr. Kishore and Mr. Wahid expressed satisfaction at the operations and gave an assurance on brining the next ship to Kollam.

Yes.. it was a memorable moment as the first ship carrying export cargo to a foreighn country from Kollam city after 4 decades.:banana:

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Acres of land at the heart of the city in Mundakkal as the industrial estate there is lying idle and has become a breeding ground for reptiles and dogs. When the city is facing acute land shortage for prestigious projects, it is utter negligence from the part of the government to keep the land idle in the heart of the city. The dilapidated industrial estate without any activites is adjacent to the Arabian sea coast and just 2 to 3 Kms away from the heart of the city.

Authorities can plan to make this land suitable for some prestigious projects. The site can be used for a goddown for the adjacent Kollam Port or can be a goods yaard for the Kollam Junction railway station by connecting the site with a railway line. The railway line is passing very near to this place and are a few metres away.

Also, it is an ideal place for a Technology or Electronics park or city. It is also an ideal location for a Bus Terminal for long distance buses.

Another, ideal project is an international beach resort like that in Kovalam since the Kollam beach, backwater sites and the Thirumullavaram and Mundakkal Papanasham beaches are just a stones throw away from the site.

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It seems like the labour charge issues and shipping agents infights and competition is causing concern more than the infrastructural issues. The labour minister PK Gurudasan (he is the MLA of Kollam as well)should take necessary steps to resolve the labour issues at the port before it would pose danger to the functioning of the port.

Maldives shipping agents are quite satisfied by the Kollam port though there are a lot of infrastructural and basic amenities have to be implemented at the port site.

This is a good begining and if a couple of ships could dock at the port without much labour issues......it is all set for Kerala's second major ports development. Hope the dredging to 10 metres draft and wharf length extension to 220 metres will be completed within a short time. This will help the port to attract the big container ships soon as well.

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Nice view. Good to see Kollam skyline also slowly shaping up. Having a road just by the beach is a boon to have relaxation from CRZ norms.

The second white highrise from the shore, after the Beach Orchid Hotel should be Benziger Hospital.

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Picture Courtesy - Sheen Austin and Sri Ram

^^ It is Benziger new block indeed. :)

Nice view of the harbour. I found the second shot interesting, especially the calm waters inside the breakwater and the feroceous sea beyond it. This is what we would be having in Vizhinjam eventually, but in a much bigger scale. But, hush...:ohno:

Nice view. Good to see Kollam skyline also slowly shaping up. Having a road just by the beach is a boon to have relaxation from CRZ norms.

The second white highrise from the shore, after the Beach Orchid Hotel should be Benziger Hospital.

Yes...Sudheesh habi... The Kollam skyline is slowly making its visibility. The upcoming apartment projects and the Kollam Port and Cashew Board will see more high rises coming up in the near future. Still Amrithapuri boats the tallest skyline in Kollam district and Karunagapally may have a 15 - 17 storeyed apartment in the immedeate future.

Interesting thing is lot of tourists ventures are interested to tap the backwater tourism potential of Kollam. The Government has already taken initiatives to make the Ashtamudi lake banks a beautiful place. They have initiated the Ashtamudi Lake circuit, Ashtamudi Cruiser and Community tourism projects.

Yes..a coastal road (on going project) and the 4-laning of Kollam Port to Cutchery road will see Kollam also having a Marine drive road. It will be nice and gorgeous drive from Paravoor to Shakthikulangara near to the beach under half an hour.:banana:

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Nice pics of Kollam coast Reghubhai. Thanx for sharing......

^^ It is Benziger new block indeed. :)

Nice view of the harbour. I found the second shot interesting, especially the calm waters inside the breakwater and the feroceous sea beyond it. This is what we would be having in Vizhinjam eventually, but in a much bigger scale. But, hush...:ohno:


Yes it is Bishop Benziger Hospital itself. The breakwater is currently the lenghtiest in Kerala and Vizhinjam will beat it in future. The long one is of 2.5 Kms and the small one about half a kilometer. The Wharf will be having a length of 220 metres and draft of about 10 metres shortly. Currently, Kollam Port is the second largest port in the state and poised to become a major port in the future according to the port minister M Vijaya Kumar.

Neendakara Port is also getting developed with the proposes LPG Terminal and Maritime institute. The two ports are just 5 - 7 Kms apart and can well complement each other.

A Inland Port can also be set up somewhere at the Ashtamusi lanks as ships can enter through the Neendakara estuary to the Inland port or throgh the Kollam Canal.:banana:

Acres of land at the heart of the city in Mundakkal as the industrial estate there is lying idle and has become a breeding ground for reptiles and dogs. When the city is facing acute land shortage for prestigious projects, it is utter negligence from the part of the government to keep the land idle in the heart of the city. The dilapidated industrial estate without any activites is adjacent to the Arabian sea coast and just 2 to 3 Kms away from the heart of the city.

Authorities can plan to make this land suitable for some prestigious projects. The site can be used for a goddown for the adjacent Kollam Port or can be a goods yaard for the Kollam Junction railway station by connecting the site with a railway line. The railway line is passing very near to this place and are a few metres away.

Also, it is an ideal place for a Technology or Electronics park or city. It is also an ideal location for a Bus Terminal for long distance buses.

Another, ideal project is an international beach resort like that in Kovalam since the Kollam beach, backwater sites and the Thirumullavaram and Mundakkal Papanasham beaches are just a stones throw away from the site.



The Mundakkal Industrial Area right under the nose of Kollam Corporation office and the heart of the city is a neglected place and is lying idle since a long time. There was an initiative during the reign of the Mayor Sabida Begum to start a mini Techno Park there but nobody knows what happend to the idea and project.

Since now a full fledged Kollam Techno Park is coming up at Kundara in 49 acres, I do not think they need to proceed the Techno Park idea at Mundakkal. They can instead utilize this place for the city development.

As pointed out, it could be used for a beach side Metro Bus Terminal for long distance buses as well a terminal point for the city buses.

It could be utilized for a sea frontage commercial complex (a tall highrise) which could become the hall mark of the city in future. It should be something like that of the Forum Mall or Garuda Mall in Bangalore. Since there is a beach frontage and lot of resorts and hotels nearby, the commercial potential of this area will be very high in future. Also the coastal marine drive road is passing in front of this industrial area.

The Kollam coast is going to see a major development momentum once Kollam Cargo Port become more vibrant and the Needakara LPG Terminal and Maritime institute comes up. Also, the coastal road from Paravoor should be extended to Shakthikulangara.

The Beach Orchid Ecotel, the resorts neart to the Mundakkal Papanasham beach, the Vattakayal lake tourism project, Thirumullavaram beach resort project by Fern Valley group, Thankasseri beach, sea park and fort renovation and the hotels and resorts at Parimanam, Neendakara truly depicts a vibrant and upcoming marine drive coastal road.

Mundakkal industrial area can become a hub for the commercial activites during that time. Hope some visionaries can post some better ideas and projects for the Mundakkal region.

It is learnt that the Union Ministry for Urban Development has proposed a sum of Rs. 1,00,000 crore for the second phase of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) in 200 cities in the country. Cities with population of five lakh will come under the category. At present, only Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi municipal corporations in the State are receiving funds under the Rs. 1,20,536-crore JNNURM scheme phase one envisaged for 63 cities in the country for improving infrastructure development and municipal governance. Now, they have included Kozhikode under this scheme. The Kozhikode Corporation will submit a proposal to the Centre to include the civic body in the proposed second phase of the JNNURM. In the next phase of JNNURM, they will consider cities with more than 2 lakh population and hence, Thrissur, Kollam and Alappuzha will also be considered.

Kollam corporation is the smallest one areawise among the 5 city corporations in Kerala with a mere 57 sq. Kms. But still it has 3.62 lakhs of population and ranks 4 which is very dense for a tier 3 city.

Actually, the urban area is much wider if you look at the Kollam city region. The city should be expanded upto Kundara in the East and Kottiyam to the South and Chavara in the North.

If that happens the area will be more than 120 sq. Kms and the population will be a whopping 6 lakhs. This will allow Kollam to be under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) program which Kochi and Trivandrum now enjoys.

Kollam's commercial potential and importantce is on a high after Kollam ports inaugration and the city development is a key for more business projects in the future and these funds can leverage the infrastrucutural development of Kollam city.

I think the government can do something especially for Kollam and Trichur corporation to make them under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission JNNURM)scheme.