Kerala Budget Focuses on Infrastructure with Key Projects

11 Feb 2025 CW Team

Despite financial constraints, the final budget of the second Pinarayi Vijayan government prioritises infrastructure development with key initiatives such as the Vizhinjam-Kollam-Punalur Growth Triangle (VKP-GT), expansion along the West Coast Canal and Coastal Highway, the Wayanad tunnel project, and the transformation of Vizhinjam into a major Export-Import hub.

The Vizhinjam-Kollam-Punalur Growth Triangle will receive Rs 10 billion from the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) to enhance transport corridors and establish multi-modal hubs, manufacturing parks, logistics centres, and processing units along the corridor.

Finance Minister K N Balagopal announced an accelerated timeline for the second, third, and fourth phases of the Vizhinjam port, now expected to be completed by December 2028, ahead of schedule.

Additional proposals include setting up a shipyard in southern Kerala, expediting the state highway upgrades, completing six-laning of the NH by year-end, and finalising the Hill and Coastal Highways.

The government has also allocated Rs 5 billion through KIIFB for the revitalisation of the inland waterway between Kovalam and Bekal and Rs 21.34 billion for the Wayanad tunnel project, emphasising its commitment to infrastructure growth.

(newindianexpress)

Real Estate

08 May 2026

Integrated Waterproofing Strategies

Waterproofing buildings used to be an annual pre-monsoon affair but the evolution of real-estate development has changed that approach. In new developments, developers are weaving waterproofing solutions into both the design and construction phases, an approach that Nikhil Madan, Managing Director, Mahima Group, says, “is all about ensuring lasting durability [of the building] and keeping lifecycle risks including water seepage and extensive maintenance to a minimum.”Watertight by designAluminium formwork systems aren’t commonly thought of as a waterproofing tool but at the Mahima Group,..

GROHE Showcases Water-Led Design At Milan

GROHE unveiled its GROHE SPA Aqua Sanctuary at Milan Design Week 2026, transforming Piccolo Teatro Studio Melato into an immersive showcase of water, design and wellbeing. Built on the philosophy of ‘Wellbeing Through Water’, the installation reimagined bathrooms as holistic spaces for relaxation, rejuvenation and self-care.The Aqua Sanctuary was presented through three interconnected sanctums. The first showcased the 3D-printed GROHE SPA AquaTree shower and faucet, highlighting bespoke innovation and biophilic design. The second featured the Atrio Private Collection and GROHE SPA x Buster..

Rahee Group Expands Rail Manufacturing Capacity

Rahee Group has outlined a multi-year investment roadmap to expand its operational footprint and strengthen manufacturing capabilities for India’s growing railway and urban transit sector. The Group is expanding in Odisha with a new Track Component Casting Unit, for which the groundbreaking ceremony was held on 8 April 2026 in the presence of Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.The Group’s flagship EPC arm, Rahee Infratech Ltd, continues to focus on complex rail infrastructure projects, including track systems, bridges, viaducts and ballastless infrastructure. Its wholly owned subsidi..