Emerging Kerala

Emerging Kerala
"Come. Experience. And be part of it"
Host country	India
Date	12–14 September 2012
Venue(s)	Le Méridien, Kochi
Cities	Kochi, Kerala
Chair	Government of Kerala
Website	www.emergingkerala2012.org

Emerging Kerala is the name given to a biennial investors summit held by the Government of Kerala in Kerala, India. The event is aimed at bringing together business leaders, investors, corporations, thought leaders, policy, and opinion makers.

The summit is advertised as a platform to understand and explore business chances in the State of Kerala.

Twenty-six sectors have been identified and the following project profiles have been prepared by various departments, PSUs & other agencies for showcasing in 'Emerging Kerala 2012'^[1]

• Tourism
• Healthcare services
• Manufacturing including Engineering & Automotive
• Projects under MSME Sector
• IT / ITES / IT Infrastructure
• Science & Technology
• Trade & Retailing
• Food & Agro Processing and Value-addition
• Ports, Shipbuilding
• Textiles & Garments
• Electronics
• Knowledge / Education sector
• Green Energy
• Bio-Technology, Nano Technology, Pharmaceuticals
• Urban Infrastructure Development
• Infotainment
• Logistics
• Petrochemicals
• Gas based Industries
• Airport Infrastructure, Airplane and Helicopter services
• Centers of Excellence
• Infrastructure development (Road, Rail, Power, Water Supply, Sewage)

The first edition of the Emerging Kerala summit, was held from 12 to 14 September 2012 at the Le Meridien International Convention Centre, Kochi. The event was organised by the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC), to highlight investment opportunities available in Kerala and advertise to the world its state of readiness to receive investors.^[2] The Hon'ble Prime Minister of India Dr. Manmohan Singh inaugurated the three-day event.^{[3] [4]}

Several programmes were organised in connection with and leading up to Emerging Kerala 2012.^[5]

These include:

• Business meets
• Sectoral conclaves;
• Domestic and international road-shows
• Discussion and debates

Besides the inaugural session, the first Global connect had

• Plenary Sessions
• Sectoral presentations;
• Round tables.
• Business to Business (B2B) connects;
• Business to Government (B2G) connects.
• Cultural performances

The event as well as its associated programmes had the support of the Government of Kerala (GoK) and KSIDC, in addition to various trade and industrial bodies. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) were the event partners.

Outcomes of the meet

The meet could bring in 45 specific project proposals with an investment of over Rs.40,000 crore, including Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd.'s Kochi Refinery expansion and another joint venture project of Rs.18,000 crore; Volkswagen’s engine assembly unit (Rs.2,000 crore); hospital and pre-cast concrete structure manufacturing unit (Rs.570 crore); and solar energy plant (Rs.500crore).^[6]

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) had announced the setting up of a Centre of Excellence in Entrepreneurship in the State. During the meeting, 43 business proposals were discussed between different departments of the State and companies from the U.K., the U.S., Japan, and Canada.

The Kerala State Investment Board will be set up by the Government of Kerala to speed up clearance for proposals. Necessary amendments would be made to the single-window clearance Act, including making the application process online.

The Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (KINFRA) would create one lakh sq ft built-up space in 16 months for incubators and complete the first phase of 25,000 sq ft by May 2013, making the world's largest telecom incubator. The State government plans to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem by creating Technology Innovation Zone on about 10 acres in Kochi at an initial investment of Rs.100 crore.

A number of Mega projects are being conceptualized and developed in the State, the most prominent of which are as follows:^[7]

No.	Project Title	Project Details	Current status
1	Supplementary Gas Infrastructure Project	A joint venture company, Kerala Gail Gas Limited (KGGL), has been established between the KSIDC and GAIL Gas Limited. KGGL will undertake activities such as city gas distribution in Kerala, the establishment of CNG stations for KSRTC buses, a gas training institute, and spur lines from GAIL's main pipeline. Additionally, the company will set up small gas-based power generating plants. The total estimated investment for the project is ₹2,000 crores ($400 million).	Under-development
2	Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport	The Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport is an ambitious project of the Government of Kerala, being developed at Vizhinjam in Thiruvananthapuram. The project adheres to the Landlord Port Model, wherein dredging, reclamation, and essential infrastructure such as breakwaters and quays will be undertaken by Vizhinjam International Seaport Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Government of Kerala. Port operations will be managed through a public-private partnership (PPP) model. A private operator will construct, operate, and maintain the terminal superstructure for a period of 30 years. The port development, along with its supporting infrastructure, is planned in phases, with an estimated cumulative cost of ₹7000 Crores ($1.4 billion). Upon completion, the port will offer a total quay length of 2000 meters across three phases, primarily catering to container transshipment, while also accommodating other cargo types like multi-purpose and break bulk goods.	Completed
3	Digital Science Park, Thiruvananthapuram	The Digital Science Park under construction in Thiruvananthapuram, will be India's first digital science park. Announced in the 2022-23 state budget, the Government of Kerala allocated ₹1000 crore for the development of four science parks to leverage advancements in science and technology. The first of these parks is being established near the Digital University of Kerala in Technopark Phase IV, Technocity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the park on April 25, 2023	Under-development
4	Kochi Metro Rail Project	The project envisions constructing a world-class Light Mass Rapid Transit (LMRTS) system in Kochi to enhance the quality of life in the Greater Kochi metropolitan area. By improving regional connectivity and reducing overcrowding, traffic congestion, travel time, air, and noise pollution, the project aims to significantly uplift the region. Spanning a total of 25 kilometers, the LMRTS will feature 21 stations from Aluva to Pettah. The proposed construction method involves an elevated viaduct supported by pre-stressed concrete U-shaped girders. To execute this project, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) named Kochi Metro Rail Limited has been established. The estimated project cost is ₹4500 crores ($900 million).	Under-development
4	Monorail Project in Thiruvananthapuram	This is a prestigious single-rail mass transit project of the Government of Kerala, spanning a 28.4-kilometer route between [[Kazhakoottam] and Balaramapuram in Thiruvananthapuram district. A monorail is a rail-based transportation system supported and guided by a single rail. This monorail will be elevated on a track along the median of the main road, minimizing land acquisition as only junctions require widening. Each train will consist of four cars, accommodating over 200 passengers, and will travel at a safe speed of 40 kilometers per hour. The estimated total project cost is ₹3408 Crores ($682 million). A detailed traffic study is being conducted by the National Transportation Planning & Research Centre (NATPAC).	In the planning stages
5	Kozhikode Light Metro	The Kozhikode Light Metro Project is a proposed Light Rail Transit (LRT) system comprising a single line with 14 stations. The 13.3-kilometer first phase of the project is currently underway and is being overseen by the Kerala Rapid Transit Corporation Limited (KRTL). Despite facing numerous setbacks due to security and budgetary challenges, the estimated ₹2,773 crore (US$347 million) project is anticipated to be completed by 2026. Upon completion, the Light Metro is expected to significantly alleviate traffic congestion and improve commuting conditions for residents.	In the planning stages
6	Silver Line (K-Rail)	The Silver Line is a proposed higher-speed rail line in India that would connect Thiruvananthapuram, the state capital, with Kasaragod in Kerala. With an operating speed of 200 kilometers per hour (120 mph) and a maximum design speed of 220 kmph (55 mps), structures being engineered for 250 kmph (69.5 mps), the line would reduce travel time between the two cities to less than four hours, compared to the current 10 to 12 hours. The proposed stations along the 532-kilometer (331-mile) corridor include Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Chengannur, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Tirur, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasaragod. The project is currently suspended by the state government pending approval from the central government.	Project halted
7	Kochi GIFT City	The proposed GIFT City, Kochi, is a global financial and trade hub under development on a 220-hectare site at Ayyampuzha, near Aluva in Ernakulam district. This early-bird project is part of the Kochi-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (KBIC). A joint venture between the state and central governments, the project is anticipated to create over 50,000 jobs upon completion. Land acquisition is currently underway. Beyond attracting prominent companies, it is expected to generate approximately ₹1 lakh crore in investments. The project is slated for completion by 2025, aiming to become a prominent IT and trade hub.	In the planning stages
8	Mumbai Kanyakumari Economic Corridor	The Mumbai-Kanyakumari Economic Corridor, a 1,760-kilometer-long infrastructure project, is being developed by the Government of India as part of the Bharatmala Pariyojana. Stretching along India's western coast, the corridor links major cities including [[Mumbai], Pune, [[Bengaluru], Mangalore, Kochi, and Thiruvananthapuram. Primarily aimed at stimulating economic growth, the corridor is currently under construction with an estimated cost of ₹50,000 crore. Projections indicate that the operational corridor will generate revenue of Rs. 25 lakh crore over the next 25 years, making it a potentially transformative and highly beneficial megaproject for Kerala.	Under-development
9	Air Kerala airlines	It is a proposed airline project, promoted by the Government of Kerala, registered as a subsidiary of the Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL). In March 2015, the board of directors of the airline decided to defer the start of commercial operations until a clear picture of relevant government rules emerged. In July 2024, Afi Ahmed's private company, Zettfly Aviation, announced that they had received a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Civil Aviation to operate scheduled commuter air transport services for three years. Zettfly plans to use Ahmed's Air Kerala domain name to market their services. It would be the first regional airline to be based in Kerala. Zettfly is working to obtain an Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) and will start operations with three ATR 72-600 aircraft. Being set up as an "ultra low-cost airline", Ahmed plans to start out with three ATR 72-600 aircraft and grow its fleet to 20 for international expansion.	Under-development

Other Projects

• Petroleum Chemicals & Petrochemical Investment Region (PCPIR)
• Kochi-Palakkad National Investment and Manufacturing Zone (NIMZ)
• Indian Institute of Information Technology, Kottayam (IIIT)
• High Speed Rail Corridor (HSRC) from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasargode
• Sea Plane Services in Kerala
• Electronic Hub at Kochi
• Titanium Sponge Project
• Oceanarium Project at Kochi
• Life Sciences Park at Thiruvananthapuram
• Gas Based Power Project at Cheemeni

Trouism in Kerala

Project	Location	Status
Jatayu Earth's Center Nature Park	Chadayamangalam	Completed
Vagamon Glass Bridge	Vagamon	Completed

World class station

Project	Location	Status
Ernakulam Junction railway station	Ernakulam	Proposed
Kollam Junction railway station	Kollam	Proposed
Thiruvananthapuram railway station	Thiruvananthapuram	Proposed

Tunnel

Project	Location	Status
Kuthiran Tunnel	Kunthiran	Completed

Airport

Project	Location	Status
Kannur international airport	Kannur	Completed
Sabarimala Greenfield Airport	Manimala & Erumely, Kottayam District	Proposed
Bekal Airport	Bekal	Proposed
Thiruvambady Airport	Thiruvambady	Proposed

Frrey

Project	Location	Status	Notes
Kochi Water Metro	Kochi	Completed	The construction work started in 2016 and its first route between Vyttila and InfoPark was inaugurated in February 2021 by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. It was officially inaugurated and opened to passengers by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 25 April 2023. Kochi Water Metro is expected to become fully operational by 2035 with a daily commuter-count of 1.5 lakh passengers. It is also described as possibly the largest electric boat metro transportation infrastructure being implemented in the world.

Semi high speed in kerala

Project	Location	Time	Status	Notes
Vanda Bharat express	Kasaragod–Thiruvananthapuram Vande Bharat Express (via Kottayam)	08hrs 5mins	Completed	India's 15th Vande Bharat Express train, connecting Kasaragod with state capital Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. The train service was officially inaugurated on 25 April 2023 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Thiruvananthapuram Central. As of July 2023, it is the best-performing Vande Bharat Express train service with an average occupancy of 183 per cent, according to official data.
	Kasaragod–Thiruvananthapuram Vande Bharat Express (via Alappuzha)	07hrs 55mins	Completed	India's 33rd Vande Bharat Express train, connecting Kasaragod with state capital Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. It is the second Vande Bharat Express in Kerala as well as India's first saffron coloured semi-high speed train. The service was inaugurated on 24 September 2023 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi via video conference from New Delhi.
Silver Line (K-Rail)	Kasaragod- Thiruvananthapuram	4 hrs	Proposed	proposed higher-speed rail line in India that would connect Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city, and Kasaragod of Kerala state.Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Chengannur, Kottayam, Kochi, Thrissur, Tirur, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod will be the stations in this corridor.

Railway line

Project	Location	Note	Status
Nilambur-Nanjangud line	Nanjangud (Karnataka) to Nilambur (Kerala) through Wayanad district of Kerala and Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu.	Railways have reportedly made the move following the intervention of technocrat E. Sreedharan who had certified the viability of the proposed line from Nilambur to Mysuru.[8]	Proposed
Sabarimala Railway	Angamaly (Ernakulam district) Erumeli(Kottayam district)	Sabarimala Railway is a proposed 111-kilometre (69 mi)-long railway line in Kerala, India, that will run from Angamaly to Erumeli. It was sanctioned in 1998 by Indian Railways. The line's name comes from the fact that it will provide a railway facility to pilgrims visiting the Sabarimala Temple (which number more than the total population of Kerala).	Proposed

Urban rapid in Kerala

Project	Location	Type	Phase	Status
Kochi metro	Kochi	Rapid transit	Phase l - 25	Completed
			Phase II – 11 station	Under construction
			Phase III– station 14	Proposed
Thiruvananthapuram light metro	Thiruvananthapuram	light rapid transit	Phase I – 19 station	Proposed
Kozhikode light metro	Kozhikode	Light rapid transit	Phase I – 22 station	Proposed

• Second Chandy ministry
• Government of Kerala
• KSIDC
• List of megaprojects in India

• Emerging Kerala - Official Website
• KSIDC Official Partner