Thiruvananthapuram: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has suggested a cruise ship project to develop the tourism sector in Kerala. A ship service from Thiruvananthapuram to Kanyakumari-Rameswaram till Chennai - if the state government or any private party comes forward to kick-start the project, the Centre would extend all help, the minister added.
Gadkari, who along with his family members are spending their vacation at the Taj Green Cove Resort at Kovalam in Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram district, shared his vision for the state in an exclusive chat to Manorama.
"Cruise tourism is growing rapidly across the globe. The coastline from Thiruvananthapuram to Chennai is extremely beautiful. Kovalam and Vizhinjam are one of the most sought-after tourist centres, while Kanyakumari and Rameswaram are world-renowned pilgrim places. I am sure that a cruise ship that connects all these strategic points would be a huge success," Gadkari pointed out.
Huge scope for Vizhinjam
The Union minister said the Vizhinjam international port would lead to a significant leap in Kerala's development graph.
“The facilities being developed in Vizhinjam would be on par with those available in Dubai, Colombo and Singapore international ports. By the time Vizhinjam port is completed, Thiruvananthapuram too should be equipped with the basic facilities,” he said.
“The expansion of the national highway bypass into four lanes is in its final stage. Roads for containers and rail facilities should be completed at a fast pace. For this purpose, I have given permission for Thiruvananthapuram ring road project,” he said, adding that the state government should ensure that procedures such as land acquisition are completed at the earliest.
Thiruvananthapuram gets a like from Gadkari
The senior BJP leader said that he really liked the cuisine and climate of Kerala.
“Thiruvananthapuram is a beautiful city. That's why I chose Kovalam to spend some leisure time with my family. I had earlier stayed at the Leela Hotel at Kovalam when I came to Kerala for official purposes. I really like the people, the greenery, the climate and the food of this land. I went for shopping in the city with my grandchildren. There is still lot of potential for Thiruvananthapuram to grow in the tourism sector,” he said.
