The central government has recently announced the launch of a study into the feasibility of bullet train corridors in the eastern, southern, and northern parts of the country.
Three routes can be considered to transform regional connectivity and their potential to transform economic activity in southern India:
Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana, is an important cultural and economic hub, with a strong information technology (IT) sector. It is home to the largest campuses of technology majors such as Google, Facebook, Microsoft, Amazon, and Apple outside the US.
Bengaluru is the world’s fastest-growing technology hub, with research and development (R&D) centers for Amazon, Microsoft, Facebook, and Google. The city’s IT sector employs over 4 million people.
Mysore is also home to major IT companies such as L&T Infotech, Infosys, and Wipro. It also has Larsen & Toubro, BEML, and KSIC.
The two cities that contribute the most to Karnataka’s economy are Bengaluru and Mysore.
The 600-km bullet train corridor will boost economic cooperation and reduce travel time between the cities.
Industry and tourism in Mysore will get easier access to both metropolises, while the technology sector in Hyderabad and Bengaluru will benefit from more efficient business travel and resource sharing.
Visakhapatnam is a major port city for its steel plants and shipyards. Amaravati, the de facto capital of Andhra Pradesh, is a modern, green, and sustainable city. This 700 km route could be completed by Hyderabad, an important economic and cultural hub with a strong IT industry.
The corridor could link the administrative functions of Amaravati and the technological capabilities of Hyderabad with the industrial strength of Visakhapatnam.
Leveraging Visakhapatnam’s port facilities for trade, investing in ambitious urban projects in Amaravati, and promoting balanced regional development.
This route can also facilitate the transfer of resources and ideas, leading to economic growth in the region.
Chennai, the country’s largest industrial and commercial center, is famous for automobiles, medical tourism, hardware, data centers, and the financial technology (Fintech) sector.
Coimbatore, the “Manchester of South India”, is a large industrial center with a developed textile and engineering sector.
It is home to some of Asia’s largest apparel companies exporting hosiery fabric to several countries. It is also one of India’s major gold jewelry manufacturing centers, with many small engineering companies.
Kochi, with a strong maritime economy and a gateway to foreign trade, is an important port city. Manufacturing, shipbuilding, seafood and spice exports, and the chemical industry are the largest business sectors.
Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, is an important cultural and governmental center.
The 850 km long corridor will promote economic integration between various South Indian cities, boosting trade and business.
Better connectivity will help Chennai companies collaborate more effectively with industrial partners in Coimbatore and leverage Kochi’s port facilities for international exports.
Administrative functions in Thiruvananthapuram will also gain better access to the rest of the region.
Overall, the introduction of bullet trains not only promotes development directly on the route but also boosts useful activities in the region.
Kerala, a state known for its literacy rate, picturesque beauty, and delectable cuisine, is undergoing some of the most notable developments in different departments. A lot is happening from the transportation and commute sector to the seaports and metro projects.
Both the state and the central government of India are working collaboratively to execute all the proposed projects to pave the way for the optimal development of the state. If you are wondering about the projects and their scope of work, you aren’t the only person.
We have sorted out a list of the ongoing and upcoming Kerala Megaprojects that you need to pay close attention to.
Top Upcoming Mega Projects in Kerala 2025
1. Kerala Coastal Highway
Kerala Coastal Highway
The first on the list is the Kerala Coastal Highway, which is a 625 km (388 mi) long planned coastal highway running parallel to the Arabian Sea in Kerala, India. It begins at Pozhiyoor in Thiruvananthapuram district and ends at Kunjathur in Kasaragod district.
The highway will pass through nine coastal districts: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasaragod.
According to the official reports, the total estimated budget of construction is Rs. 6,000 crore and the entirety of the project is being paid by the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB). What’s unique about this highway is that it will have a dedicated lane for cycles. The estimated deadline is 2026.
2. Mumbai Kanyakumari Economic Corridor
Different economic corridors in India are being constructed simultaneously and the Mumbai Kanyakumari Economic Corridor deserves a special mention. It is a 1,760 km long economic corridor being developed by the Government of India as part of the Bharatmala Pariyojana.
The corridor runs along the western coast of India, connecting the major cities of Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Mangalore, Kochi, and Thiruvananthapuram. The main purpose behind the construction of this corridor is economic boost.
The economic corridor is currently under construction and the project is estimated to cost around Rs. 50,000 crore. However, the reports suggest that the operation of this corridor will generate revenue of Rs. 25 lakh crore by the next 25 years. This will be a most beneficial Kerala Megaprojects among the projects.
3. Thiruvananthapuram Outer Ring Road
The Thiruvananthapuram Outer Ring Road (ORR), also known as the Thiruvananthapuram Outer Area Growth Corridor (OAGC), is a proposed 62.8 km 6-lane ring road in Thiruvananthapuram. The project has been proposed as part of the Capital Region Development Programme-II (CRDP-II) in Thiruvananthapuram City, directly under the Bharatmala Pariyojana scheme.
The completion of this ORR will connect National Highway 66 at Navaikulam, Vizhinjam Port, Thekkada and Mangalapuram. Not just that, it will also pass through a variety of industrial and commercial areas, further boosting the economic state.
Following the finalization, the cost for the project has been estimated to be Rs. 4868 crore. The current status of the project is that the land acquisition and the bidding are happening.
4. GIFT City, Kochi
Almost every big city in India is getting its own financial and IT hub, so it makes sense for Kerala to have one of its own. The GIFT City, Kochi, is a proposed global financial and trade hub under development on 220 hectares of land at Ayyampuzha near Aluva in Ernakulam district, Kerala, India. It is an early-bird project under the Kochi-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (KBIC).
The project is being done under the collaboration of the state and the central government of India and reports suggest that the completion of this project will generate 50,000+ job opportunities. The land acquisition process is underway, according to the last updates.
Not only will it attract notable companies, but it will also generate revenue via investments of an estimated amount of Rs. 1 lakh crore. The project is likely to be completed by 2025 and not only become an IT hub but a trade hub too.
5. Silver Line Rail Project
One of the The most ambitious Kerala Megaprojects is here, The Silver Line Rail Project is a proposed 532-kilometer (331 mi) semi-high-speed rail corridor in Kerala, India. It will connect Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city, with Kasaragod in the north of the state. The project is being developed by the Kerala Rail Development Corporation (K-Rail), a joint venture of the Kerala government and the Railway Ministry of India.
You can consider this as a high-speed rail project since the trains will be running at an estimated speed of 200 km/hr. This is going to reduce the travel time significantly to 4 hours from 10-12 hours between Thiruvananthapuram and Kasaragod and cover 11 stations.
The total estimated cost for the project is around Rs. 67,000 crore and the deadline for the rail project is by 2027.
6. Kozhikode Light Metro Project
While we are on the topic of rail projects, the Kozhikode Light Metro Project is also one that the residents of Kozhikode looking forward to. It is an under-construction Light Rail Transit (LRT) system, which will consist of a single line and cover 14 stations.
The metro is being built in phases and the first phase will include 13.3 km of construction. It is being built and looked out by Kerala Rapid Transit Corporation Limited (KRTL). The project has undergone a lot of pauses and disruptions due to security issues, budget issues, etc.
The project is estimated to cost ₹2,773 crore (US$347 million) and is expected to be completed by 2026. The completion of the project will reduce the burden of traffic significantly and streamline commutes for the people.
7. Kochi Water Metro Extension Project
Another unusual and one-of-a-kind metro project that has been proposed in Kerala is the Kochi Water Metro Extension Project. This is an extension project that adds 10 new routes and 40 new jetties to the existing network. The new routes will connect various parts of the city, including the islands of Vypin, Bolgatty, and Willingdon.
The project is estimated to be completed by 2025 and will have a total estimated budget of Rs. 1000 crore. It is being funded and constructed by the Government of Kerala and the KfW Development Bank of Germany.
Not only will the extension project reduce congestion, but it will also streamline the transportation experience for commuters.
8. Vizhinjam International Sea Port
Commonly known as the Port of Trivandrum, the Vizhinjam International Sea Port is an under-construction deepwater seaport in the capital city of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram. It is being developed as a public-private partnership project between the Government of Kerala and Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited.
The completion of this sea port will support container ships, bulk carriers, and cruise ships. The port is expected to be completed in 2023 but we don’t have any confirmed updates about the status of the project yet.
According to reports, the construction of this sea port will boost the economy of the state quite significantly. Not only will it pave the way for new investments but and boost the country’s GDP.
9. Kochi Metro Phase 2
Kochi, which is one of the busiest cities in India, is all set to experience Phase 2 of the metro construction. It is an under-construction extension of the Kochi Metro system in Kerala, India. It will add 11.2 km of new elevated track and 11 stations to the existing network. The new line will connect Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kaloor to Kakkanad, a major IT hub.
The additional part of this metro construction is estimated to cost Rs. 1957.05 crore and is expected to be completed by 2025. The funding for Phase 2 is being provided by the Government of India, the Government of Kerala, and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD).
The development of this infrastructure project will not only streamline traffic congestion but also make transportation a lot easier and more organised.
10. Kollam Railway Station Redevelopment
Next up on the list of ongoing development projects in Kerala is the Kollam Railway Station Redevelopment. This is one of the biggest infrastructure development projects in India and the main purpose of this project is to transform the Kollam Railway Station with modern features and amenities.
The project is being looked over by the Indian Railways in collaboration with the Government of Kerala and the total estimated cost for the redevelopment is around Rs. 682 crore. The deadline for the project is around 2025.
Some of the attributes of the redevelopment project include the construction of a new terminal, renovation of existing platforms, construction of a new overbridge, development of a commercial complex, etc.
The Kollam Railway Station Redevelopment project is expected to have a significant impact on the city of Kollam and the surrounding region. The new railway station will improve the travel experience for passengers and will also boost economic activity in the city.
11. Thiruvananthapuram Light Metro Project
Multiple light metro projects are going on in Kerala and the Thiruvananthapuram Light Metro Project is one that deserves a special mention. This particular Light Metro Project (TLMP) is going to serve the city of Thiruvananthapuram, making transportation hassle-free with reduced congestion.
According to the available insights, the Thiruvananthapuram Light Metro Project will span a distance of 21.82 km and pass through 19 stations, from Technocity to Karamana. The maximum speed at which the metro trains will operate is 80 km/hr.
Overall, the budget of the project is set aside to Rs. 4218 crore and the deadline of the project is set for 2027. Not only will the completion of this project impact the transportation system in Thiruvananthapuram, but it is also set to reduce traffic congestion significantly in the city.
Not just that, the light metro project will also open up a variety of employment opportunities for people, thereby contributing to an economic boost. In short, it will provide a convenient and sustainable transportation option.
12. Kerala Fibre Optic Network Project
One of the most unique infrastructure development and connectivity projects that is happening in Kerala is the Kerala Fibre Optic Network Project. It is a public-funded initiative by the Government of Kerala that aims to provide high-speed Internet connectivity to the whole Indian state of Kerala.
The project was initially proposed and launched in Feb 2021 under the Pinarayi Vijayan government with the intent to offer universal internet connectivity to the people living in Kerala, especially those who are living below the poverty line and can’t access the internet in the state.
Additionally, the KFON project is being implemented by the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) through its subsidiary KSEB Infra Ltd. The project is expected to be completed in two phases.
The first phase, which is currently underway, involves the laying of 30,000 km of optical fiber cable across the state. The second phase will involve the provision of Internet connectivity to government offices and educational institutions.
13. Ernakulam Railway Station Redevelopment
Last on the list is the Ernakulam Railway Station Redevelopment Project, which is another redevelopment project. It will transform the currently operational Ernakulam Junction Railway Station into a state-of-the-art railway station with all the modern amenities.
The project is being taken over by the Indian Railways in collaboration with the Government of Kerala and has an estimated budget of approx. Rs. 445 crore. The completion deadline is 2025 but it could stretch too.
Besides the new terminal, the redevelopment will also involve the development of a commercial complex. The ongoing work on the station won’t affect its current line of operation, which means that travelers won’t have to worry about that aspect.
This is the second railway station in the state that’s undergoing redevelopment. The other one is the railway station of Kollam. The completion of the redevelopment will not only change things aesthetically but functionally as well, which sounds quite promising for travelers.
So here is the some worth highlighting Kerala Megaprojects 2025 that you have to aware of it. We hope that you got all the information about the Kerala Megaprojects that are happening in this rapidly transforming state.
Conclusion
Kerala is set to experience some of the most iconic infrastructural developments in the coming few years. If you have been curious to know more about the ongoing and upcoming Kerala Megaprojects that will change the transport, roads, and infrastructure of India’s most literate state, we hope this article gives you all the insights that you were on the lookout for. If any further Kerala Megaprojects are proposed or finalized, we will keep adding to this article, so keep your eyes peeled.
