Kerala govt keen to further develop Ponnani Port on PPP model
Keeping in view the importance of regional connectivity, cruise tourism potential and economic growth, the Government of Kerala is exploring the scope to develop Ponnani Port on PPP model. It has called an EoI from private service providers for starting cruise shipping operations connecting various non-Major Ports as well as ports of neighbouring states.
Ponnani is a non-Major Port under the control of the Government of Kerala. Kerala Maritime Board has forwarded a proposal to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways for construction of a multi-purpose berth at Ponnani at a total cost of Rs 20 crore, for which it seeks partial assistance under the Sagarmala scheme, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Mr Sarbananda Sonowal, informed Parliament.
Ponnani is a coastal town located in the Malappuram district of Kerala. Situated at the mouth of the Bharathapuzha River, where it meets the Arabian Sea, Ponnani is approximately 68 km south of Kozhikode, 48 km southwest of Malappuram, 91 km northwest of Palakkad and 50 km northwest of Thrissur.
Source: Exim News Service: New Delhi, Aug. 11