Ten Years: Kerala Witnessed Not Promises, But Implemented Developments: Chief Minister

Kochi: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan stated that the last ten years in Kerala have not been characterised by the politics of promises, but by a period of implemented development. Keeping the future in mind, the LDF government has planned each project with the vision that the next generation should live a safe and happy life in this country. Many projects have already become a reality, while several others are progressing steadily, the Chief Minister said during a press conference.

Kerala has witnessed how the state's progress was derailed during the period of shifting alliances in governance. After the LDF government vacated office in 2011, there was a clear setback in development over the following five years. However, when the LDF returned to power in 2016, several interventions were made to lift Kerala from the crisis, overcoming natural disasters, economic challenges, and the pandemic. To ensure that this progress continued without hindrance, the continuation of governance granted by the people in 2021 proved crucial.

The result of this continuity is the comprehensive development seen across various parts of Kerala, including Kochi. A commission was appointed to formulate the country’s first policy for urban development as part of this effort. Kochi has emerged as a hub for IT, industry, transportation, and innovation due to this vision. The development of Kochi Metro and the progress of the Kakkanad Infopark Corridor are giving new direction to urban transport. The world-class Water Metro system is transforming Kochi into a unique city in India. Already, millions of people have used this system, making it a model for other cities in the country.

Rs 3,716 crore canal renovation project aims to make six major canals in Kochi navigable. This project, being implemented with KIIFB support, will serve as a solution for both water transportation and flood control. Comprehensive interventions in sanitation, waste management, and drainage systems are also being implemented, with the goal of making Kerala a zero-waste state. Once a center of major criticism, Brahmapuram has now become an example of transformation.

Kakkanad Infopark is further strengthening Kochi as an IT industry hub, with a focus on the Smart City sector. Major projects like the Infopark development, Graphene Center, Electronic Manufacturing Cluster, and Petrochemical Park are transforming the state into a center for advanced technological industries. Investments and expansions by global companies are fueling this growth.

Kerala has made significant progress in the startup sector at the national level. In 2016, there were 300 startups; today, that number has risen to 7,700, creating 77,000 jobs. Kerala, recognised as the Best Performer in the national startup ranking, has become a model for the country in the field of innovation. Kochi’s Technology Innovation Zone and Asia’s first Super Fab Lab are fueling this transformation, opening up rare opportunities for the new generation.

Kerala’s progress in the industrial sector is historic. Overcoming the old narrative that it was not industry-friendly, Kerala has now become the most investment-friendly state in the country. The rise from 28th place to 1st place in the Ease of Doing Business ranking is proof of this transformation. Through the Startup Year initiative, 400,000 startups and 9 million jobs were created, attracting investments worth Rs 28,000 crore to the sector. The introduction of KSWIFT has streamlined the process, making 113 permits available through a single-window system, simplifying the process for businesses.

Today, every sector of Kerala is advancing in a way that attracts the attention of the entire country. It is essential to preserve and further strengthen this progress for the betterment of the state. Development is an ongoing process, and only by sustaining and pushing it forward can Kerala’s future be made even stronger. The Chief Minister also appealed to everyone to ensure a larger majority for the LDF in order to accelerate the state’s progress even further.