NICDC Applauds Kerala for Completing Palakkad Industrial Corridor Tender

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala has earned national recognition as the Palakkad Smart City project became the first among India’s newly announced 12 industrial corridors to complete the tender process. The National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC) highlighted the achievement on its official page, signalling acknowledgment from the Union government despite political differences. Analysts say this shows the Modi government’s recognition of Kerala’s development-focused model, whether willingly or not.

The state has worked efficiently to facilitate the industrial corridor. During the first Pinarayi Vijayan government, the Kochi-Bengaluru corridor received approval. For the integrated manufacturing cluster across three zones in Palakkad, KINFRA signed an agreement with the National Industrial Corridor Development and Implementation Trust. Within months, KINFRA acquired 1,710 acres of land, and Kerala is funding 50 percent of the 3,806 crore rupee project.

Environmental clearance for the Puthussery Integrated Production Cluster was obtained in February 2024, and a task force led by Principal Secretary A.P.M. Mohammed Haneesh IAS expedited the remaining procedures. The construction phase is set to begin under a joint venture between Dileep Buildcon Limited and PSP Projects Limited.

The rapid completion of tender and approvals has earned Kerala accolades and sets a benchmark for other states in implementing large-scale development projects.