Kerala will unveil a Logistics Parks Policy within a fortnight, enhancing benefits from the Centre’s plan to establish maritime clusters along the western coast, according to Minister for Industries P. Rajeeve. Speaking at the ‘Maritime and Logistics Roundtable 2024,’ he emphasised that the policy will strengthen Kerala’s pioneering cluster in Alappuzha, aligning with the State’s new Industrial Policy (2023), which promotes community-based networks.
“With technology playing a key role in our Industrial Policy, the maritime cluster in Cherthala will receive further incentives,” Rajeeve said at the event organised by Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) under the Department of Industries and Commerce. The 15-acre Cherthala cluster, currently under development as a hub for industries related to shipping and allied activities, is expected to be fully operational by next summer.
Rajeeve noted that the draft logistics policy, released in March, includes investment subsidies of up to ₹7 crore for logistics parks. “The feedback from stakeholders has been positive, and we are set to announce the policy in two weeks,” he added.
Madhu S. Nair, CMD of Cochin Shipyard, revealed that the yard is preparing to handle 250 mid-size ships annually with a new dry dock set to open by the end of September. This facility, scheduled for inauguration on September 26, will be capable of lifting vessels weighing up to 6,000 tonnes, marking a significant boost to the region’s maritime infrastructure.
