In an attempt to make available world class facilities across the ports in the state, the state government in Kerala has recently cleared a staggering sum worth Rs. 1,647cr and that the foundation stone for the mega projects will be laid very shortly, minister for ports and fisheries K Babu said in a recent statement adding that in addition to this, the state government apart from other projects will also take up the construction work at Ponnani port at an investment of Rs. 763-crore and that the foundation stone for which would be laid next month.

In addition, the government has also decided to take up the building work of another port at an investment of Rs. 850cr and this project will also set to start in the next couple of months. Besides other facilities like bunkering service would also be introduced to enable refueling, provide water and other items for big vessels passing through the sea off Kerala coast. There are also plans to set up a sand purification plant at the port at a cost of Rs. 20cr. In another similar initiative Rs. 20cr worth dredger and a container handling crane at a cost of Rs. 14cr would be made available at Azhikode port in Kannur district, he added.