Call to develop port-based hubs

Excise and Ports Minister K Babu has said that Kerala should follow the example of  Gujarat in developing a port-based logistics hub. Such hubs will play the role of a catalyst in the development of the state, he added.

“The state government is formulating projects to use waterways for the movement of goods.  Those who come up with such projects will be given assistance from the government,” the Minister said, while inaugurating the three-day international seminar ‘New Trends in  Logistics’, here on Thursday.

He said that the construction of the Vizhinjam terminal would commence as soon as the Union government issues an environmental clearance. “The lack of vessels that can ply in shallow waterways should be addressed. The government is ready to provide financial assistance to those planning to invest  in this sector,” he said.   

Kerala Productivity Council vice-chairman K V Ramachandran presided over the function. Ludy Louis MLA, Akashwani director K A Muraleedharan, Headload Workers Welfare Board chairman Advocate K P Haridas and S Jayathilakan spoke. Falcon Infrastructures Pvt Ltd managing director N A Mohammed Kutty spoke.