ICCC project: Tourism dept yet to act to acquire land

Thiruvananthapuram: The long-delayed International Convention Centre Complex (ICCC) project at Akkulam has hit another bureaucratic roadblock, with tourism department yet to initiate acquisition of 49 acres despite Technopark handing it over to district administration in Jan this year.Sources close to the project said the file remained stuck despite completion of the crucial land transfer process, triggering concerns that bureaucratic red tape and administrative inertia are threatening a project conceived nearly two decades ago. Stakeholders fear that continued delays could jeopardise one of the state’s most ambitious tourism infrastructure projects aimed at transforming Thiruvananthapuram into a major destination for MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) tourism.According to consultant and nodal agency, Promag Realtors and Developers Pvt Ltd, managing director J P Shiva, govt’s reluctance to move forward is delaying a project. “The project, launched in 2007, is now nearing 20 years. We remain committed because we see tremendous potential. However, previous govt turned a blind eye to the project. We will soon meet tourism minister P C Vishnunadh to ensure that the pending formalities are completed.

Otherwise, there is every possibility that such investments will move to other states,” he said.Shiva said district collector has forwarded the land transfer file to revenue wing and the next step was from tourism department. The issue was raised before chief minister V D Satheesan during pre-budget consultations on June 8, and CM assured stakeholders of examining the matter on priority, he added.When contacted, tourism director M Anjana said she would examine the project status, as she had recently assumed charge.

Meanwhile, principal secretary (tourism) K Biju was unavailable for comment.Trivandrum Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI) president S N Raghuchandran Nair said previous govt had shown little interest in the project. “Earlier govt was least bothered about ICCC project. The file was stuck for years without any meaningful progress. This convention centre is crucial for attracting global conferences, exhibitions and business events, especially with the commissioning of Vizhinjam International Seaport.

The present govt should act without delay and ensure the project becomes a reality,” he said.Industry representatives said ICCC completion would significantly strengthen city’s convention tourism ecosystem, generate employment, attract international events and complement economic opportunities emerging from Vizhinjam port, provided bureaucratic hurdles are removed without further delay.The project, proposed in 2007 by then tourism minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, is being developed by K Raheja Corporation under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. The foundation stone was laid in 2008 and the project received in-principle environmental clearance the same year. Groundbreaking was scheduled for 2020 but was postponed due to Covid-19 pandemic. The proposed complex includes a 1,500-seat convention centre, exhibition halls, a 150-room four-star hotel and a marina.

The project is being coordinated by Kerala Tourism Infrastructure Ltd (KTIL). Subsequent revisions to the detailed project report (DPR) were necessitated by years of delay and changing infrastructure requirements.