CM assures major budget announcements for capital development: TCCI

T’puram: The long-pending demand for a comprehensive development package for the state’s capital region received a significant boost after representatives of Trivandrum Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI) met chief minister V D Satheesan.

TCCI submitted a memorandum seeking special attention for development of Thiruvananthapuram and its surrounding region. According to its president S N Raghuchandran Nair, Satheesan responded positively to the proposal and indicated that budget, scheduled to be presented on June 19, would contain announcements related to development of the capital region. “We met the CM and handed over our letter. He was very receptive and indicated that in the ensuing Budget there will be announcements on this count,” said Nair. In the memorandum, TCCI urged govt to implement a Capital Region Development Project (CRDP) under the direct supervision of CM, with support from the chief secretary. The chamber argued that a focused and coordinated approach is necessary to accelerate the growth of Thiruvananthapuram as Kerala’s administrative and economic capital. The proposal envisages integrating key infrastructure and economic initiatives, including outer ring road (ORR), outer area growth corridor (OAGC), an economy-based master plan, a special investment region (SIR) and designated seed development areas.

TCCI noted that such a transformative project could position the city on the lines of major growth centres such as Gurgaon and Noida while unlocking the full economic potential of Vizhinjam International Seaport. The chamber also proposed appointing a dedicated young IAS or central service officer exclusively for the project and exploring public-private partnership models for resource mobilization.