The Keralam land availability for investment is a key priority for the state government, Industries and Information Technology Minister P K Kunhalikutty said on Tuesday.
In a statement in the state Assembly, Kunhalikutty said the government aims to turn the state’s strengths in education, innovation and technology into investment opportunities, industries and jobs.
He said the government would go beyond granting permissions to investors by providing land, basic infrastructure, financial assistance and technical support.
Keralam plans industrial land banks
Kunhalikutty said the availability of suitable land for industries remained a major challenge and addressing it was a priority.
The government will identify land for industrial investment in Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode, as well as strategic locations such as Vizhinjam. Suitable sites in other districts will also be identified.
The identified land banks will be developed into large industrial zones to support investment and industrial activity.
“Land should not be a hindrance for industrial investment. Instead, it should be converted into a resource that attracts investment. That is our aim,” the minister said.
Government explores funding for land acquisition
The state will consider institutional financing for land acquisition alongside budgetary allocations, Kunhalikutty said.
The proposed approach is intended to address land constraints while preparing suitable sites for industrial projects. The government also plans to provide the infrastructure and other support needed to attract investors.
The minister did not specify the total land area to be acquired or the funding required for the proposed industrial zones.
Consultancy to assess industrial investment sites
The government plans to engage an international-level infrastructure consultancy firm to evaluate the financial and technical feasibility of land identified for industrial investment.
The consultancy will help prepare detailed project reports assessing the investment potential of these locations.
The assessments are expected to guide decisions on developing industrial zones and providing supporting infrastructure.
The initiative forms part of the state’s broader effort to use its geographical position, skilled workforce and technology capabilities to attract investment and generate employment.
