Kerala budget promises new life for Kottayam Skywalk; Reach Kerala campaign, Green Marshals announced

It was in December 2015 that Kottayam's infamous Skywalk project was launched to alleviate congestion at the Shastri Road Junction. Its construction also began by mid-2016 but soon came to a standstill for a handful of reasons, including funding and land acquisition issues, as well as unscientific planning.

Since then, many have requested its dismantling, citing stability issues, material degradation and multiple other reasons. However, it looks like the structure, still standing tall despite being an eyesore, is all set to get a new lease of life. 

In the Kerala Budget 2026, presented by Chief Minister VD Satheesan on Friday, he said the project's work would resume soon to 'improve urban infrastructure and pedestrian transit.' If executed well, officials say the skywalk can alleviate traffic congestion, ensure pedestrian safety, improve commute times, incorporate entertainment and commercial facilities, and give the town a facelift. 

The new Kerala budget has allocated ₹325.36 crore for the tourism sector. Here are a few other announcements for tourism: 
a) Steps to declare tourism as an industry will be taken.
b) Legal amendments will be made to utilise the plantation area's lands for tourism.
c) The 'Reach Kerala' scheme will be launched to transform Kerala into a health tourism destination.

d) Infrastructure development projects across Kerala's international airports.
e) Major emphasis on eco-tourism, biodiversity tourism, mangrove tourism, farm tourism, agri-tourism, and rural experiential tourism.

f) Community-based and cultural tourism hubs will be established to generate employment and preserve local heritage and food traditions.  
g) New tourism concepts named 'Brand Wayanad' and 'Ashtamudi tourism' will be promoted. 
h)  Women-led tourism enterprises, homestays, and responsible tourism projects will be expanded statewide. There will also be another scheme called 'Green Marshals' in destinations like Kovalam, Kochi, Alappuzha and Munnar to train women and deploy them to monitor responsible behaviours, cleanliness and awareness.   
i) AI-enabled advanced digital tourism platforms and smart applications will be developed to assist travellers.  

Pilgrimage, tourism circuits
The CM said the state will create a dedicated spiritual and historical circuit, including sites such as Arthunkal Basilica, Ambalappuzha Temple, Kakkazham Mosque, Mannarasala, Krishnapuram Palace, Mata Amritanandamayi Math, and Ochira Temple. Similarly, a tourism circuit will be set up in Alappuzha, along with a waste treatment plan primarily to treat houseboat and destination waste. A ropeway facility will be added to Pathiramanal Island, and the Muziris project will be allocated ₹19 crore to feature a live museum, heritage museums, and boat journeys along traditional waterways. ₹5 crore has been allocated for an eco-friendly dynamic lighting project at the Athirappally waterfalls. There are also plans to leverage dam and canal tourism, as well as maritime tourism.