The ruling LDF government in Kerala has launched a series of major infrastructure projects worth hundreds of crores as the assembly elections approach. On Wednesday, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated initiatives totaling Rs 800 crore, marking another phase of the LDF’s ongoing ‘Vikasana Munneta Yatra’ or Development Progress March.
The campaign focuses on development and welfare, with senior leaders like CPI(M) state secretary M.V. Govindan leading northern Kerala, Kerala Congress (M) chief Jose K. Mani in central Kerala, and CPI secretary Binoy Viswam in the south. The CPI(M)’s key allies, KC(M) and CPI, play central roles in mobilizing support across the state.
Wednesday’s inaugurations included the 253-metre Amburi–Kumbichalkadavu bridge in Parassala, Thiruvananthapuram, connecting 11 tribal hamlets to the mainland and expected to boost tourism around the Neyyar reservoir. Vijayan also virtually launched three bridges — Komalam Bridge in Thiruvalla, Chirakkal Bridge in Nattika, and Kozhichal Meenthulli Bridge in Payyannur — along with 30 road projects covering 11 districts. The bridges cost Rs 44.99 crore, and the roads totaled Rs 753.10 crore, according to the Public Works Department.
Vijayan highlighted that these projects reflect the government’s commitment to development, contrasting it with central policies he described as favoring corporates. He emphasized the LDF’s vision of a “Nava Kerala” or new Kerala, aiming to raise living standards in the state to match developed nations.
The state cabinet also approved the development of Beypore port in Kozhikode and Kollam port through public-private partnerships. Tourism and PWD Minister P.A. Muhammad Riyas noted that Beypore could transform into a major port city, creating jobs and driving economic growth.
In addition, the 2026 Women’s Policy was approved, updating the 2009 framework to make Kerala more women-centric. The policy prioritizes women’s safety, labour rights, legal protections, and the welfare of tribal and coastal communities. A draft policy for senior citizens’ welfare and protection was also sanctioned.
Other key projects include the Rs 384.34-crore Cochin Cancer Research Centre at Ernakulam Government Medical College, aimed at comprehensive cancer care and research, and the Rs 101-crore CIAL Aero Park at Cochin International Airport to support the aviation ecosystem.
Kerala is expected to go to polls in April 2026, and the LDF’s focus on development projects and welfare programs forms a central theme of its election strategy.
