Kerala Chief Minister and Finance Minister V.D. Satheesan on Friday announced an ambitious maritime development programme, ‘Mission Samudra’, in the State Budget for 2026-27, with an allocation of ₹400 crore aimed at transforming Kerala into a major global maritime and economic hub within the next five years.
Presenting the revised Budget in the Legislative Assembly, Satheesan said the initiative forms a key pillar of the government’s vision to build a “Puthuyuga Kerala”—a new-age state driven by inclusive growth, sustainable infrastructure and maritime-led economic development.
The Chief Minister said Kerala’s strategic advantages, including its 600-km coastline, two international ports, two container transshipment terminals, 17 non-major ports and extensive inland waterways, would be leveraged to position the state prominently on the global maritime map.
As part of the initiative, Kerala will be developed as an integrated port city economy, connecting roads, railways, sea routes, inland waterways, manufacturing zones and emerging urban centres to create a vibrant maritime ecosystem.
To strengthen connectivity with the state’s flagship port, the government will accelerate land acquisition and construction of the Balaramapuram–Vizhinjam railway line and the Vizhinjam–Navayikulam Outer Ring Road. Logistics infrastructure, including stuffing centres and dry ports, will also be developed around the ports of Vizhinjam International Seaport and Cochin Port.
Highlighting opportunities emerging from the global transition towards cleaner energy, Satheesan announced plans to develop Vizhinjam as India’s first port offering green bunkering services, catering to vessels using environmentally sustainable fuels.
The Budget also proposes the establishment of a shipbuilding and ship repair hub, supported by dedicated infrastructure development and land acquisition. The government stated that employment opportunities created in the coastal and maritime sectors would be prioritised for local communities.
Under Mission Samudra, Kerala will pursue the development and modernization of key ports including Vizhinjam International Seaport, Kovalam, Kollam, Beypore and Azhikkal Port.
The Chief Minister further announced that the government will formulate a comprehensive Kerala Maritime Policy to promote maritime tourism, logistics, port-based industries, shipping-related services, maritime law education and the establishment of a maritime museum through public-private partnerships. Port lands and existing maritime assets will be leveraged to support these initiatives.
To improve coastal and inland connectivity, the state will expand water transport links connecting major and minor ports in a phased manner. An initial allocation of ₹50 crore has been earmarked for the first phase of the programme.
The Mission Samudra initiative is expected to play a central role in Kerala’s long-term economic strategy, positioning the state as a leading maritime gateway for trade, logistics, green shipping and port-led industrial growth.