BJP Promised Big Projects in Trivandrum During Modi’s Visit, but Nothing Materialised: M V Govindan

Thiruvananthapuram: Addressing the media at the AKG Centre, CPI M state secretary M V Govindan criticised the BJP-led Trivandrum Corporation. He said that although Mayor V V Rajesh had suggested that certain development projects might be announced during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Kerala, along with their blueprints, nothing of the sort materialised. “Modi came, delivered a political speech, and then left,” Govindan added. Recalling recent disasters, he said, “When Chooralmala was affected, and the Prime Minister visited Trivandrum, affected families expected relief. Instead, political speeches were delivered without concrete support.” Highlighting infrastructure achievements, he pointed to the rapid progress of the Vizhinjam International Container Transshipment Terminal. He stated that the second, third, and fourth phases of the port are being constructed as a single integrated project. “This is a once -in -a- lifetime development. Within a year of commencing operations, Vizhinjam Port has become one of the world’s leading ports. As of December 3, 2024, it handled 15.13 lakh TEUs, and when the next phase gets completed it can go up from 10 lakh TEUs to 50 lakh TEUs, and can now accommodate four larger ships simultaneously,” he said. Govindan also addressed earlier opposition, highlighting attempts to stir communal tension when the project was launched. “V D Satheeshan had publicly vowed to block the project, yet the LDF government has overcome these challenges to achieve what many considered impossible,” he added. Regarding funding, he said that while the central government provides viability gap funds, only 817 crore rupees were released as a loan. “The state government has invested 4,771 crore rupees in Vizhinjam Port and will continue funding the next phases as required,” he confirmed.