Kerala: Convention centre project back on track

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The project to set up an International Convention Centre Complex (ICCC) at Akkulam, which has been in the backburner for several years now, is gaining momentum with the Tourism Department initiating steps officially to get the necessary clearances for the ambitious proposal. The authorities have sought report from the village officer and the agriculture officer to submit a report on the site where the cnvention centre is planned.

According to sources, the report of the officials would be submitted for approval in the upcoming local level monitoring committee. "The reports would be submitted before the committee which would forward it with their feedbacks to the state-level monitoring committee chaired by the Chief Minister," said the official.  The state government has earmarked 49 acres of land near NISH for the convention centre project, the foundation stone of which was laid way back in 2008. The government had entered into an agreement with K Raheja Corporation to implement the project under PPP mode.

Chairman and Managing Director of Kerala Tourism Infrastructure Limited (KTIL)  K.G. Mohanlal said that the project is still in the planning stage. "The project has been in a deadlock for a while and now the project is back on track. We have initiated proceedings to make it into a reality," said Mr Mohanlal.   The ICCC project worth Rs 805 crores, which will be coming up at 18.79 hectares of land between Akkulam Tourist Village and Kazhakkutom Bypass, will have facilities of international standards.