Introduction

 

The importance of infrastructure for sustained economic development is well recognized. Physical infrastructure covering transportation, power and communication through its backward and forward linkages facilitates growth and creation of social infrastructure including water supply, sanitation, sewage disposal, education and health, which are in the nature of primary services has a direct bearing on the quality of life. The performance of infrastructure is largely a reflection of the performance of the economy. Infrastructure is a prerequisite for the development of the economy.

 

Infrastructure plays a crucial role in promoting economic growth and thereby contributes to the reduction of economic disparity, poverty and deprivation in a country. Greater access of the poor to education and health services, water and sanitation, road network and electricity is needed to bring equitable development and social empowerment. Infrastructural investments in transport (roads, railways, ports and civil aviation), power, irrigation, watersheds, communications, education, health and family welfare play a strategic role in the development process and make a significant contribution towards sustained economic growth.

 

 

Section 1

Transport Infrastructure

 

Presence of quality infrastructure is vital for social, economic and industrial development of the country. The transport infrastructure in Kerala largely consists of roads, railways, airports and inland water transport system. Roads play a prominent role in Public Transportation over other modes of transportation owing to the geographic peculiarities of Kerala, widely scattered habitation with lesser rural urban divide and limited geographical area of 38,863 Sq.Km.

 

5.2 Transport infrastructure of the State consists of 3.72 lakh Kms of road, 1257 Kms of Railways, 1687 Kms of Inland Waterways and 111 statute miles of Airways and 18 Ports. Co-ordination between the physical infrastructure providers – Public Works Department (PWD), Railways, Inland Transport Authority, Airports and Coastal Shipping Agencies to build transport infrastructure and for the operation and the maintenance of the existing ones is required. Physical infrastructure has to be designed to support an intermodal transport network. Road design should be done based on 15 year traffic forecasts even with an intermodal transport network.

 

State Road Network

 

5.3 The outlay and expenditure in the Transport sector during 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16 is given in the Table 5.1.

 

Table 5.1

The Outlay and expenditure in the Transport sector during 2013-14 to 2015-16

(₹ lakhs)

Sl No	Sub Sectors	Annual Plan 2013-14		Annual Plan 2014-15		Annual Plan 2015-16
		Outlay	Expdr.	Outlay	Expdr.	Outlay	Expdr.upto 10/15
1	Port Department	7869.00	4534.10 (57.62%)	9869.00	4699.13 (47.62%)	11929.00	2072.40 (17.37%)
2	Roads and Bridges	85515.00	124583.64 (145.69%)	83641.00	131660.27 (157.41%)	95107.00	117258.37 (123.29%)
3	Road Transport	7485.00	6965.76 (93.06%)	10226.00	7578.57 (74.11%)	7425.00	1900.00 (25.59%)
4	Inland Waterways	13643.00	3451.73 (25.30%)	14342.00	3632.23 (25.33%)	15542.00	974.30 (6.27%)

Source: State Planning Board

 

5.4 The major road network of Kerala, though well connected, faces severe constraints due to the urban sprawl and the haphazard ribbon development all along the routes. The existing traffic levels at most stretches are excessive and beyond the road capacity. The traffic on roads is steadily increasing at a rate of 10 to 11 percent a year. Capacity augmentation of existing roads is beset with problems relating to limited right of way and land acquisition.

 

5.5 Even though Kerala stands at the forefront with regard to density of roads, the condition of most of these roads are very poor. Therefore the focus of road development programme has to be for improvement and upgradation of the existing roads rather than constructing new roads. This requires institutional strengthening, adoption of standards applicable to the Indian Roads Congress (IRC)/Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH) specifications, strict quality control and adoption of self-financing revenue models suited to the State.

 

5.6 Quality infrastructure creation in road construction is the focus area during the 12th Plan. There is a need to undertake planned development of State highways, important major district roads and city roads in the State which should include geometrical improvement, junction widening, re-laying the roads after proper design and giving maintenance contract.

 

5.7 The most important challenge in the road sector involves building all weather roads connecting each and every village. Even though Kerala is comparatively better placed than most other states as regards road length, the condition of many of these roads is very poor. Therefore, the main emphasis under road development in Kerala has been on improvement and upgradation of existing roads rather than construction of new roads. The investment need in the road sector is high and beyond the resources available with the Government. Therefore, there is an imperative need to motivate private and other non-governmental agencies/corporate sector to participate in road construction and upgradation of selected highways.

 

5.8 The major development indicators of transport and communication sector in the State since 2008 are given in Appendix 5.1. On the road front, traffic has been growing at 10 to 11 percent every year, resulting in excessive pressure on the roads of the State. Total road length in Kerala during 2014-15 increased from 3,31,372.261 Km in the previous year to 3,72,472.216 Km (12%). Road density in the State is 853 Km/100 sq.km and it is far ahead of the national average of 387 km/100 sq.km. The length of road per lakh population is 958 km. Roads maintained by different agencies of the State are given in Table 5.2. 

 

Table 5.2

Agency wise distribution of State roads in Kerala during 2014-15

 

Sl.No	Name of Department	Length (Km)	Percentage
1	Panchayats (LSGDs)	306341.824	82.24
2	PWD (R&B)	31811.601	8.54
3	Municipalities	18411.870	4.94
4	Corporations	6644.000	1.78
5	Forests	4575.770	1.23
6	Irrigation	2611.900	0.70
7	PWD (NH)	1747.251	0.48
8	Others (Railways, KSEB)	328.000	0.09
	Total	372472.216	100.00

Source: Various Departments

 

5.9 The roads maintained by different Local Self Government Departments have account for 82.24 percent of the total in 2014-15. Out of the total road length of 306341.824 Km maintained by Panchayats, 133705.75 Km (43.65%) are black topped and 54421.124 Km (17.77%) are cement concrete. Out of the total roads maintained by PWD 31811.601 Km, Kottayam District has the major share with a length of 3449.301 Km (10.8%). Wayanad District has the lowest share at 1029.305 Km (3%). Details of district wise and category wise length of roads maintained by PWD (R&B) as on 31.03.2015 is given in Appendix 5.2.

 

5.10 As on 31.03.2015 there were 2253 bridges and 51400 culverts on the PWD roads. Of them, 91 bridges need reconstruction/renovation and 1265 culverts are not in good condition. More details are given in Appendices 5.3, 5.4, 5.5 and 5.6. Major Activities of PWD (R&B) during 2014-15 are given in the Box 5.1.

 

 

Source : PWD

 

5.11 Government of Kerala has made it mandatory to follow Indian Roads Congress (IRC) standards and Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) specification for road works in Kerala. Kerala Public Works Department Manual has also been revised and the revised Edition (2012) has been made effective from 01.04.2012 onwards. The impact of the change in specifications and revisions in Manuals is to be evaluated in the coming years.

 

National Highways

 

5.12 The National Highway Wing of State PWD is responsible for the upkeep and development of National Highways in the State mainly with the funds allocated by the Government of India. There are nine National Highways together constituting 1747.251 Km length in the State. The details are presented in Table 5.3.

 

Table 5.3

National Highways in Kerala

 

Sl. No	New No.	Existing No.	From	To	Length of New NH No. in Kerala Kms
1	66	NH 17	Thalappadi	Edappally	420.777	669.437
		NH 47	Edappally	Kaliyikkavila	248.660
2	544	NH 47	Valayar	Edappally	160.000
3	85	NH 49	Bodimettu	Kundanoor	167.610
4	744	NH 208	Kollam	Kazhuthuruthy	81.280
5	766	NH 212	Kozhikode	Kerala– Karnataka Border	117.600
6	966	NH 213	Kozhikode	Palakkad	125.304
7	183	NH 220	Kollam	Theni in Tamil Nadu Border	190.300
8	966 B	NH 47 A	Wellington Island	Kundanoor	5.920
9	966 A	NH 47 C	Vallarpadam	Kalamassery	17.000
10	183 A	-	Bharanikkavu	Mundakkayam	116.800
11	185	-	Adimaly	Chelimadu	96.000
	Total				1747.251

Source : PWD (NH)

 

Kollam and Alappuzha Bye passes

 

5.13 Kollam and Alappuzha Bye passes in NH 47 is being implemented on cost sharing basis between Central and State Government. The total cost of the project is ₹700.48 Crore and an amount of ₹350.24 Crore as State share is included in the Major Infrastructure Development Project by State Government. The total length of Alappuzha Bye pass (₹348.43 Crore ) is 6.8 Km, of which 3.2 Km is elevated highway. The work commenced on 16.03.2015 under Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) mode and the work is progressing. The work is proposed to be completed by August 2017. An amount of ₹ 27.44 Crore is sanctioned as mobilization advance by the Central and State Governments.

 

5.14 The total length of Kollam Bye pass is 13 Km with aggregate cost of ₹352.05 Crore and it includes 3 major bridges (1.54 Km) with two lane roads of 11.5 Km paved with shoulder. The work commenced on 27.05.2015 under EPC mode and has made good progress and is scheduled to be completed by November 2017. An amount of ₹27.22 Crore is sanctioned as mobilization advance by the Central and State Governments.

 

5.15 As part of completing 100 bridges in 400 days, the works completed by the PWD (National Highway Wing) during 2014-15 are given in Table 5.4.

 

Table 5.4

Details of bridges completed by PWD (NH) in 2014-15

(₹ Crore)

Sl.No	Name	Span	Cost
1	Construction of Munnar bridge, Devikulam	85 m	6.45
2	Moidu Bridge at Dharmadam	175 m	17.98
3	KSRTC Bridge at Munnar, Devikulam	16 m	4.77
4	New bridge parallel to the existing iron bridge in Kollam Town	76 m	7.84
5	ROB at Kazhakuttam	576 m	28.6
6	Widening of existing bridge across Kuntipuzha at Mannarkadu	55 m	7.34
7	Korapuzha Bridge in Calicut Bye pass	408.10 m	42.16
8	Putakkatteri Bridge, Kozhikode	185.5 m	18.76

Source : PWD (NH)

 

Kerala State Transport Project (KSTP)

 

5.16 The KSTP is implementing the Kerala State Transport Project –Phase II. The objective of the project is to improve the riding quality in 363 Kms road section with enhanced road safety provisions. The project has three components. (1) Upgrading of 363 Kms of road, (2) Road Safety Management and (3) Institutional Strengthening. The following works are progressing under the Project. The details are presented in Table 5.5.

 

Table 5.5

Kerala State Transport Project

(₹ Crore)

Sl.No	Name	Cost	Date of completion
1	Kasaragod – Kanghangad Road	133.06	March 2016
2	Pilathara – Pappinisserry Road	118.29	March 2016
3	Thalassery – Valavupara Road	234.99	December 2015
4	Ettumanoor – Muvattupuzha Road	171.49	August 2016
5	Thiruvalla Byepass	31.80	December 2015
6	Ponkunnam – Thodupuzha Road	227.13	December 2016
7	Chengannur Ettumanoor Road	293.58	November 2017

Source : KSTP

 

Kerala Road Fund Board

 

5.17 The Thiruvananthapuram City Road Improvement Project implemented by Kerala Road Fund Board on PPP (Annuity) mode involves development of more than 42 Kms of roads in the capital city and maintenance for 15 years after construction. By developing well designed roads of better quality and aesthetic appearance, the project has given a face lift to the capital city. The concessionaire is responsible for all investments and is paid a fixed amount as annuity, spread over 15 years. More thrust needs to be given for implementing infrastructure development projects on Public Private Partnership. A few such projects in the pipe line are:

 

• SPEEID KERALA- The Government has formulated the project of constructing flyovers, bridges and roads at selected areas in the State in order to reduce the increasing traffic congestion. The project named as ‘SPEEID KERALA’ comprises 23 projects at an estimated cost of ₹10,000 Crore.

• Kottayam – Cherthala Tourist Highway – The project aims at development of interior areas of Kuttanad as well as promotion of tourism in the region.

• Thiruvananthapuram City Road Improvement Project Phase II- It is proposed to take up the second phase of Thiruvananthapuram City Road Improvement Project aiming at the development of more roads on BOT- Annuity mode

• Kozhikode City Road Improvement Project – The land acquisition for developing seven roads coming under phase I of KCRIP is nearing completion. Action is in progress to bid the works of development of 6 roads under PPP mode as in the case of Thiruvananthapuram City Road Improvement Project.

• Detailed Project Reports have been prepared for implementing City Road Improvement Projects in Kottayam, Thrissur, Malappuram and Kannur and action is also in progress for preparing DPR for Kochi and Kollam city road improvement projects. The major achievements of Kerala Road Fund Board are given in Box 5.2.

 

Source: Kerala Road Fund Board

 

State Road Improvement Project (SRIP)

 

5.18 Road Infrastructure Company Kerala Limited is a special purpose vehicle incorporated under Indian Companies Act, 1956 by Kerala Road Fund Board. There are two packages under the State Road Improvement Project (SRIP) - Rehabilitation Package under PPP Annuity mode and the Upgradation Package with funding from multilateral funding agencies. The Rehabilitation package is intended to improve 106.2 Kms of roads on Public Private Partnership Annuity mode and the Upgradation Package is designed to improve 600 Kms of road by including land acquisition wherever needed for geometrical corrections and junction improvements.

 

Research and Development in Road Sector

 

5.19 Research and Development activities play an anchor role in developing innovative models and techniques to address the challenges in modernising the road system in general and technology up gradation with cost effective infrastructure measures in particular. Design, Research, Investigations and Quality Control Board (DRIQ Board), Kerala Highway Research Institute (KHRI) and National Transportation Planning and Research Centre (NATPAC) are the research organisations engaged in Research and Development of the road sector at present.

 

(a) DRIQ Board

 

5.20 In 2014-15, the design wing of DRIQ Board has developed 17 building designs, structural designs of 69 bridges, 38 general design and 31 detailed designs. Moreover, the research and project preparation unit of DRIQ Board has prepared 11 projects.

 

(b) Kerala Highway Research Institute (KHRI)

 

5.21 Kerala Highway Research Institute, the South Zone Regional Office is the quality control wing mandated with the task of assuring quality in works undertaken by PWD. Quality control sub division of Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kollam districts are under the jurisdiction of KHRI. KHRI conducts training programmes for technical and non technical staff of PWD. The activities of KHRI during 2014-15 are given in Box 5.3.

 

 

5.22 As part of quality control, 3320 tests were conducted and the results were forwarded to the respective Chief Engineers for further action. The investigation works on Detailed Project Report (DPR) for KSTP Phase II covering the maintenance component of 14 roads have also been completed by KHRI during 2014-15.

 

(c) National Transportation Planning and Research Centre (NATPAC)

 

5.23 NATPAC is the Research Centre conducting Research and Development and Extension Activities in the field of transportation and allied areas. The broad areas of activities of NATPAC includes transportation, planning and road safety, regional transportation, highway planning and development, traffic management, water transport and providing consultancy services to various user agencies in the domain area.

 

5.24 During the year 2014-15, NATPAC has carried out 20 plan programmes, 15 externally funded projects and road safety programmes sponsored by Kerala Road Safety Authority (KRSA) and several road safety training materials have also been developed. The plan programmes are mostly R&D projects to address the traffic and transportation issues of the State. The externally funded projects are need based studies entrusted to NATPAC by government agencies like PWD, Transport, Tourism, Water Resources, Town Planning Department and other Organisations like Kochi Metro Rail Company, National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), Roads and Bridges Development Corporation Kerala (RBDCK) etc. Major activities of NATPAC during 2014-15 are given in the Box 5.4.

 

 

5.25 Research studies undertaken by NATPAC have facilitated in adopting designs and guidelines for the construction of better quality roads using modern construction techniques. More thrust on research and development with focus in bringing new/innovative construction methods/techniques/technologies to the field is highly essential, considering the resource crunch, environmental challenges and transportation challenges existing in the State.

 

Road Transport

 

5.26 Road Transport is the dominant mode of transport for moving goods and passenger traffic and acts as the feeder service to the rail traffic, air traffic and ports and Inland Waterways. In Kerala, road transport industry is dominated by private service providers. The road freight services are wholly owned and operated by the private sector.

 

Motor Vehicle Population

 

5.27 The growth of vehicle population in Kerala is 10 percent over the previous year. The growth of Motor Vehicles during last eight years is shown in Figure 5.1.

 

Fig 5.1

Growth of Motor Vehicles since last Eight years

Source: Motor Vehicles Department

 

5.28 The number of motor vehicles having valid registrations as on 31.03.2015 is 94, 21,245 as against 85, 47,966 in the previous year. The details are in Appendix 5.7. The number of newly registered vehicles is 8,73,279 during 2014 -15 of which details are given in Appendix 5.8. In the case of personal vehicles, a faster growth rate has been recorded over the previous year. The district wise growth of vehicle numbers in Kerala is given in Appendix 5.9. The distribution of category wise motor vehicles registered during 2014-15 is shown in Figure 5.2.

 

Fig 5.2

Distribution of motor vehicles registered by type during 2014-15

Source: Motor Vehicles Department

 

5.29 About 2393 vehicles are newly added to vehicle population every day. Of this 1715 are two wheelers. The highest vehicle population was recorded in Ernakulum district with 16,17,972 vehicles (17.2%) followed by Thiruvananthapuram with 11,75,647 (12.5%). Wayanad district has the lowest number of 1,29,092 (1.37 %) vehicles. Category wise growth of motor vehicles in Kerala since 2010 to 2015 is in Appendix 5.10.

 

Road Accidents

 

5.30 Even though several initiatives have been taken by the Police to enforce road discipline and enforcement of rules by Motor Vehicles Department, road accidents are increasing. The increasing trend of traffic accidents is a matter of great concern. The analysis of figures from 1980-81 onwards shows that an increase in the number of accidents was steady from 7064 in 1980-81 to 20,900 in 1990-91 and 34,387 in 2000-01 and 35282 in 2010-11. Even bigger states like Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan report far less number of accidents compared to Kerala. The district wise motor vehicle accidents in Kerala and the category wise details of motor vehicles involved in road accident are given in Appendices 5.11 and 5.12 respectively.

 

5.31 During 2014-15, Kerala registered 37253 accidents (102 per day). Accidents due to KSRTC buses were 1218 (3 per day) and private buses were 3168 (9 per day). The number of two wheelers has increased from 52.88 lakh in 2014 to 58.29 lakh in 2015, recording average annual growth rate of 10.27 percent. Similarly the number of traffic crashes involving two wheelers has grown from 16,394 ( 45 per day) in 2014 to 29,963 (82 per day) in 2015. Bike accidents account for nearly 53 percent of the total accidents reported in the State. Trend of motor vehicle accidents in Kerala is presented in Figure 5.3.

 

Fig 5.3

Trend of Motor Vehicle Accidents in Kerala

Source: State Crime Records Bureau

 

5.32 Almost 95% of accidents occurred due to the fault of drivers of the motor vehicles. The rest of the accidents are caused due to various other reasons like traffic, bad weather, poor road condition, fault of pedestrians etc. Road accidents are caused due to one or more of the following reasons.

 

• Rash driving and unhealthy competition of vehicles

• Defective eye sight of drivers

• Poor surface condition and badly maintained side shoulders of roads

• Uncontrolled access streets and unmanned junctions

• Least regard to traffic rule

• Haphazard parking on road side

• Location of bus stops close to junctions

• Lack of pedestrian crossing, walkway facilities etc

• Encroachment/dumping of materials on the road

 

5.33 The distribution of vehicle category wise accidents in Kerala during 2014-15 is shown in Figure 5.4.

 

Fig 5.4

Distribution of road accident by vehicle type in Kerala during 2014-15

Source: State Crime Records Bureau

 

Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (K S R T C)

 

5.34 Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is the single largest public sector undertaking, which carries out passenger transport operations in the State. The gross revenue earning of KSRTC during 2014-15 is ₹1923.82 Crore. The gross revenue expenditure is ₹2541.10 Crore and operating loss during this period is ₹ (-) 617.28 Crore.

 

5.35 Out of 5629 buses of KSRTC, 1444 (26%) buses are ten or more years old. The worn out status of KSRTC buses are given in Appendix 5.13. The average monthly collection of the Corporation has increased from ₹138.29 Crore to ₹150.78 Crore during 2014-15. During the period, 203 new buses were put on road and 410 buses were scrapped. The number of schedules operated as on 31.03.2015 was 4602. The Corporation operated its bus service to a distance of 6981.04 lakh kms and about 11059 lakh passengers travelled in KSRTC buses during this period. The major indicators showing operational efficiency and district wise operational statistics of KSRTC/KURTC are given in Appendices 5.14 and 5.15 respectively.

 

5.36 The fares of ordinary and city buses are 64 paise per Km, 72 paise per Km for super fast, 90 paise to super deluxe service, 110 paise for A/C Air Bus and 130 paise for High Tech Volvo Buses. The fare structure of KSRTC is given in Appendix 5.16.

 

5.37 Inter Unit analysis of KSRTC reveals that about 30% of the units of the State exhibit poor performance. Financial performance of KSRTC is not in tune with its physical achievements due to increase in operating expenditure, hike in pension commitments, increase in interest payments, operation in uneconomic routes and granting concessional travels leading to increasing losses to the Corporation. The District wise operational statistics of KSRTC during 2014-15 is given in Appendix 5.17.

 

5.38 The occupancy ratio in KSRTC has increased from 67.14% in 2009-10 to 75.09% in 2011-12. There are only 168 buses per 10 lakh population in Kerala and the fleet utilisation is only 82.7 percent. More than 12 percent of the buses are under repair and 41 percent of the vehicles are over aged. Staff per bus ratio is as high as 7.8. The number of breakdowns per lakh kilometres in KSRTC is around 6 while that of neighbouring Karnataka RTC (KnRTC) and Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) are less than one. The number of buses owned by KSRTC is given in Appendix 5.18. Major physical achievements of KSRTC during 2014-15 are given in Box 5.5.

 

Source: KSRTC

 

5.39 The performance of KSRTC during 2014-15 is better than the previous year due to the implementation of Revival Package announced by the Government of Kerala. As part of Revival Package, the following programmes were implemented by KSRTC.

 

 

5.40 As part of the Revival Package, to address the pension liability, the Government has created a pension fund and permitted KSRTC to collect social security cess from passengers and agreed to contribute to pension fund in equal shares and to that of KSRTC’s contribution, subject to a maximum of ₹20.00 Crore per month. The total value of assets of the Corporation as per the valuation report is ₹3674.13 Crore. Ten Public Sector / Commercial Banks have agreed to sanction loan to KTDFC for taking over the existing loan liabilities of KSRTC. M/s State Bank of Travancore has already released an amount of ₹200.00 Crore directly to KTDFC. M/s. State Bank of India and Lakshmi Vilas Bank have sanctioned an amount of ₹75.00 Crore and ₹50.00 Crore respectively. Modification of schedules based on scientific traffic studies, route rationalization by combining nationalized as well as private routes, compensation for additional duty for reducing average employee per bus, rationalization of trips, reducing average employee per bus needs to be focussed by the Department to bring it to the national standards.

 

Railways

 

5.41 The Indian Railway system is the second largest network in the World under a single management. It provides one of the cheapest means of transport in India. The State total railway route has a length of 1257 km and covers 13 railway routes. The Railway Divisions at Thiruvananthapuram, Palakkad and Madurai jointly carry out Railway operations in Kerala. Total route Km of 623.76 Km of Thiruvananthapuram division comprises of 494.76 Km in Kerala and 129 Km in Tamil Nadu. Thiruvananthapuram Division is the largest coaching division of Southern Railway with coach holding of 1572 (bars) coaches.

 

Suburban Rail Project

 

5.42 Government of Kerala has decided to establish Suburban train services in Thiruvananthapuram – Chengannur /Harippad sector in Phase – I by constituting a Special Purpose Vehicle to run air conditioned MEMU/EMU Rakes. M/s Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation (MVRC) has finalized the Detailed Project Report. The total cost of the project is ₹3300.00 Crore. A Special Purpose Vehicle is formed between Government of Kerala and Indian Railways with 50:50 equity participation for taking up implementation of the Project.

 

Kochi Metro

 

5.43 Kochi Metro Rail Project (KMRP) is the flagship project of the Government of Kerala designed to address the transportation woes of Kochi City. The Project is implemented through the Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) which is a Special Purpose Vehicle jointly owned by the Government of Kerala and Government of India with equity participation. The Union Government gave sanction for the project in July 2012 at a total cost of ₹5181.79 Crore. KMRL has signed an agreement with Government of India and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (DMRC) for executing the project and as per the tripartite agreement signed between Government of India, Government of Kerala and KMRL, the project is expected to be completed by June 2017. The details of the project are in Table 5.6.

 

Table 5.6

Kochi Metro

Sl.No	Connected places	Length (Km)	Project Cost (₹Crore)
Phase I	Aluva to Petta (22 stations)	25.6	5181.79
Phase I (a)	Pettah to S.N. Junction (Extension)	2.00	359.00
Phase II	JLN Stadium to the IT city Kakkanad	11.00	1682.00

Source : KMRL

 

Light Metro Projects at Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode

 

5.44 Light Metro Rail Project is a Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) proposed to be implemented in the cities of Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode and the DPR has been prepared by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC). A route length of 13.33 Km with 14 stations in Kozhikode is being taken up as the first phase of the project. The estimated completion cost of the project is ₹4219.00 Crore for Thiruvananthapuram and ₹2509 Crore for Kozhikode totalling to ₹6728.00 Crore (including Central taxes & land cost). The estimated completion period of the project is five years for Thiruvananthapuram and four years for Kozhikode.

 

5.45 The proposed project will be implemented as a joint venture of Government of India (GoI), and Government of Kerala (GoK) with a funding pattern of 20% equity of GoK, 20% by GoI and the remaining 60% by way of external and domestic borrowings. The Comprehensive Mobility Plan for the cities under the project have been prepared by NATPAC and submitted to the Ministry of Urban Development as a precondition for obtaining Government of India assistance.

 

Air Transport

 

5.46 Air Transport plays a major role in the development of tourism both domestic and international. Kerala has three airports at Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode and Kochi. Kannur International Airport Limited (KIAL) has been set up by Government of Kerala to build and operate Kannur International airport.

5.47 The Kannur airport project is being developed in two phases by KIAL. The first phase is envisaged to span from FY 2016-17 to FY 2025-26 and second phase would be from FY 2026-27 to FY 2045-46. In Phase I, the airport runway is proposed to be 3050 m in length, which would be sufficient to allow all major aircrafts to operate on key routes viz, Hong Kong, Singapore, Middle Eastern countries etc. The second phase is proposed to have increased capacities of passenger terminal, aprons and other facilities including a longer runway of 3400 m to accommodate bigger aircrafts like A380.The Greenfield airport is being set up in 2000 acres, of which 1265 acres have been acquired. Of the required land, 1215 acres (equivalent to ₹315.94 Cr) has been brought in by Government of Kerala as equity in the project.

 

5.48 The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has granted necessary environmental clearance for Kannur International Airport. Agreement for the provision of CNS/ATM facilities has been executed with Airports Authority of India. Construction work on Terminal Buildings and City side facilities are being carried out by Larsen & Toubro Ltd. Expression of Interest (EoI) for servicing the debt component has been invited by KIAL and KIAL has already tied up the debt component requirement (₹892.00 Crore) with a Consortium of three Banks namely Canara Bank (₹692.00 Crore), South Indian Bank (₹110.00 Crore) and Federal Bank (₹90.00 Crore).

 

5.49 During 2014-15, 68119 flights (15028 domestic and 53091 international) were operated from the three airports together. A total number of 1,29,15,773 passengers ( 44,92,737 domestic and 84,23,036 international ) were carried during 2014-15. Details of flights operated during 2014-15 by three Airports are shown in Appendix 19 (A), (B) and (C).

 

 

 

Water Transport Sector

 

 

Port Sector

 

5.50 A sea port is the nerve centre of foreign trade of a country contributing to the development of the economy. The quality of ports has a significant influence on the cost structure of country’s export and defines its competitiveness in the global market. It brings varying degrees of benefits to the economy and the country. Port constitutes an important economic activity in the coastal areas. Ports are also important for the support of economic activities in the hinterland since they act as a crucial connection between sea and land transport. As a provider of job opportunities, ports do not only promote economic growth but also take care of social needs. In terms of cargo transportation, seaway transportation is the cheapest and the most effective transportation system compared to other systems. Majority of industries depends on ports for the transportation of raw materials as well as finished goods and hence are located in the coastal belts in the vicinity of major ports. These industries also strengthen the livelihood of the employees as well as indirect benefactors. In short a port plays a crucial role in the development of a nation.

 

Ports in India

 

5.51 India’s long coastline of over 7500 km is home to the country’s 12 major ports and around 200 non major ports located along the western and eastern corridors of which only 139 are operable i.e. 69.50%. Indian ports are the gateway to India’s international trade by sea and are handling over 90% of foreign trade. The 12 major ports managed by the Port Trust of India are under Central Government jurisdiction and the 139 minor ports are under the jurisdiction of the respective State Governments. While the non major ports are larger in number only about one- third of them undertake regular commercial operations. These are located mainly in Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Goa and Maharashtra.

 

5.52 The major ports include Chennai, Ennore and Tuticorn (in Tamil Nadu), Cochin (in Kerala), Kandla (in Gujarat), Kolkata (in West Bengal), Mumbai and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) (in Maharashtra), Mormugao (in Goa), New Mangalore (in Karnataka), Paradip (in Orissa), andVishakapatnam (in Andhra Pradesh) .

 

Ports in Kerala

 

5.53 Kerala has a coastal length of 585 km and the State has an average width of about 60 km with one major port at Cochin and 17 minor ports. Out of 17 minor ports in Kerala, four are considered as intermediate ports based on berthing, cargo handling and storage facilities available in them. They are Vizhinjam, Beypore, Azheekal and Kollam ports. The remaining 13 minor ports in the state are Neendakara, Alappuzha, Valiyathura, Kayamkulam, Manakkodam, Munambam, Ponnani, Vadakara, Thalasserry, Manjeswaram, Neeleswaram, Kannur and Kasaragod.

 

5.54 Most of the minor and intermediate ports in the State are seasonal in nature with insufficient infrastructure to handle even medium and small sized vessels throughout the year. Presently cargo operations take place only in four ports ie Vizhinjam ,Beypore, Kollam and Azheekal . At Beypore, passenger traffic to Lakshadweep islands is also handled. At Thangassery(Kollam) new cargo port facilities are created utilizing the calm fishery harbour basin.The Annual budget 2016-17 focus on development of non major ports, development of coastal shipping, PPP mode of development of ports, overall infrastructural development of operational ports for improving cargo/ passenger traffic.

5.55 The Government of Kerala has already decided to develop five minor ports through PPP mode. These Ports are Azheekal, Beypore, Ponnani, Alappuzha and Kollam. Apart from this a major port, Vizhinjam Deepwater International Container Transshipment Terminal is coming up.

 

Cargo traffic in Major Ports of India

 

5.56 Cargo traffic at India’s 12 major ports during 2014-15 was higher by 4.65% at 5813.44 lakh tonnes compared with 5554.87 lakh tonnes handled during 2013-14.During 2014-15 Mormugao port recorded highest growth of traffic of 25.32% followed by Kolkata dock system (18.70%) Chidambaranar (13.17%), Ennore (10.66%), Haldia dock system (8.77%), Kandla (6.31%), Paradip (4.42%), Mumbai (4.18%), Cochin (3.39%), Chennai (2.81%) and JNPT (2.36%) Major ports which recorded negative growth in traffic during 2014-15 are Vishakapatnam (0.85%) and New Mangalaore (7.11%). (Source : Port Statistics 2014-15,Ministry of Shipping, GOI).

 

5.57 Among the major ports, Kandla port handled the maximum cargo of 924.97 lakh tonnes with a share of 15.9% followed by Paradip (12.2%), JNPT (10.97%), Mumbai (10.61%), Vishakpatnam (9.97%), Chennai (9.04%), New Mangalore (6.29%), Chidambanar(5.58%), Haldia Dock Complex (5.3%), Ennore (5.2%), Cochin (3.71%), Marmugoa (2.53%) and Kolkata dock system (2.63%).(Source: Port Statistics 2014-15,Ministry of Shipping, GOI). Figure 5.5 shows the commodity wise break up of cargo handled at major ports in India.

 

Fig 5.5

Commodity wise distribution in major ports of India

Source: Ministry of Shipping / Indian Ports Association

 

5.58 It may be seen that the commodity group with the largest percentage share in total cargo handled was POL(Petroleum Oil and lubricants) (32.49%) followed by other cargo (20.88%), container (20.55%) which includes tea, cashew kernals, rubber and rubber products, spices, coffee etc, coal (20.42%), fertilizer (2.82%) and iron ore (2.85%).%).(Source: Port Statistics 2014-15, Ministry of Shipping, GOI).  Figure 5.6 shows the growth of cargo traffic at major ports in South India for the last 5 years.

 

Fig 5.6

Cargo traffic in Southern major ports of India

Source: Ministry of Shipping / Indian Ports Association

 

5.59 The data in Appendix 5.20 and the figure reveal that though Vishakhapatnam and Chennai hold the first and the second position in terms of the quantity of cargo handled, these ports have shown a decline in trend in the growth rates of cargo movement over the years as against the other three ports namely New Mangalore, Chidambaranar and Ennore which exhibited upward trends in the above period.

 

5.60 In the case of Cochin Port, the quantity of cargo handled has shown a marginal increase over the years with a decline during 2012-13. The quantity of cargo handled, in lakh tonnes, at Cochin port for the period from 2011-12 to 2014-15 were 200.91 (12.40%), 198.45 (-1.22%), 208.87 (5.09%), 215.95 (3.39%) respectively with percent change given in brackets against the actual.

 

Cargo traffic in Cochin Port

 

5.61 Total import traffic handled during 2014-15 recorded an increase of 5.41% to 175.36 lakh tonnes from 166.37 lakh tonnes in the preceding year. The major component of import include POL (67.84%) followed by container (19.73%) comprising machinery, cashew, chemicals etc, other cargo (9.34%), fertilizers and raw materials (2.54%)and coal (0.56%). (Source: Administration Report and Annual Accounts 2014-15, Cochin Port Trust).

 

5.62 Total export traffic handled during the year showed a decrease of 4.52% to 40.59 lakh tonnes from 42.50 lakh tonnes in the preceding year. The major components include POL (52.25%) sea foods (4.58%) coir products (3.09%), tea (2.23%), spices (2.08%), rubber and rubber products (1.80%), cashew kernals (1.66%), coffee (1.61%). (Source: Administration Report and Annual Accounts 2014-15, Cochin Port Trust).

 

5.63 Commodity wise break up of cargo handled in Cochin port during the year 2014-15 is shown in Figure 5.7. Figure 5.7 shows that among the cargo handled at Cochin Port, POL has the highest share of 64.91% followed by container (24.99%), other cargo (8.28%) fertilizer and raw materials (2.07%) coal (0.45%). (Source: Administration Report and Annual Accounts 2014-15, Cochin Port Trust)

 

Fig 5.7

Commodity wise break up of cargo handled in Cochin Port during 2014-15

Source: Cochin Port Trust

 

Cargo traffic in non-major ports of India

 

5.64 In the case of non-major ports in India, cargo traffic was 13% higher at 4711.95lakh tonnes in 2014 -15 against 4169.70 lakh tonnes in 2013-14.

 

5.65 During 2014-15, non major ports of Goa showed the highest growth of traffic (167.6%) followed by Andhra Pradesh (42.2%) and Karnataka (27.7%). The non major ports in Tamil Nadu showed a negative growth of 4.7%.( Source: Port Statistics 2014-15, Ministry of Shipping, GOI).

 

5.66 Among the non major ports, ports of Gujarat handled the maximum cargo of 3360.93 lakh tonnes (71%), followed by Andhra Pradesh (17.7%), Maharashtra (5.79%) Goa (0.16%) Tamil Nadu (0.17%) Karnataka (0.13%) and non major ports of the remaining states handling a total of 221.27 lakh tonnes (4.7%) (Source: Port Statistics 2014-15, Ministry of Shipping, GOI).

 

5.67 In terms of composition of cargo traffic handled at non major ports coal holds the highest share of (33.69%) followed by POL (33.22%) other cargo (21.33%) iron ore (5.74%) building materials (3.06%) fertilizer (2.96%). (Source: Port Statistics 2014-15, Ministry of Shipping, GOI).

 

5.68 During 2014-15 iron ore ,other cargo, coal , fertilizer, raw materials, building materials posted a growth of 47.61%, 31.62%, 25.67%,16.07,1.81% respectively . However traffic of POL showed a negative growth of 8.48%.

 

Cargo traffic in non major port of Kerala

 

5.69 The non-major ports of Kerala, showed a growth of 47.19% at 159226 tonnes in 2014-15 against 108175 tonnes in 2013-14.

 

5.70 Cargo handling during 2014-15 was confined mainly to Kozhikode, Kollam, Vizhinjam and Azheekal ports .The total cargo handled in Kollam port has shown a drastic rise from 6072 tonnes in 2013-14 to 20044 tonnes in 2014-15. The coastal shipping operations occurred regularly between Gujarat- Kollam, Kolkata – Kollam and Kochi-Kollam sector. The major cargo handled in Kollam port includes cashew, sand, soda ash tiles, construction materials and sanitary wares. Kollam also holds the record of handling over dimensional Consignment (ODC) cargo for Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre which is considered to be the largest handled among all minor ports in Kerala. The import –export details in minor and intermediate ports of Kerala are detailed in Appendix 5.21. During 2014-15, 558 steamers and sailing vessels with registered tonnage of 158711.51 called at non- major ports against 541 steamers and sailing vessels with 205247.8 tonnages in the previous year. This shows increase in number of steamers and decrease in tonnages. The details are shown in Appendix 5.22(A). Statement showing the revenue collection at the non-major ports during 2014-15 is shown in Appendix 5.22(B). The trend of cargo handled at minor ports of Kerala is given in Figure 5.8

 

Fig 5.8

Trend of Cargo handled at minor ports (operable) of Kerala

Source: Directorate of Ports

 

5.71 Figure 5.8 shows that import has shown a flucuating trend with a negative growth in 2011-12 and a positive growth of 2.63% in 2012-13. It again declined by 18.14% in 2013-14 and increased in 2014-15.The export showed a decline in 2012-13 by 1.50% then it improved by 5.05% in 2013-14. In 2014-15, it has shown a great improvement by 13.18%.This shows remarkable capacity utilization in the year 2014-15.

 

5.72 The Government agencies involved in the development of ports in the State are Port Department, Harbour Engineering Department, and Hydrographic Survey Wing. An amount of ₹27759 lakh, ₹7869 lakh, ₹9869 lakh and ₹11929 lakh were earmarked for this sector during 2012-13, 2013-14 2014-15 and 2015-16 respectively.

 

 

Vizhinjam International Deep Water Multipurpose Seeaport

 

5.73 Vizhinjam International Deep Water multipurpose Seaport is a flagship project of Government of Kerala Vizhinjam International Deep Water Multipurpose Seaport limited (VISL) is a special purpose government company (fully owned by Government of Kerala) which acts as a implementing agency for the development of the Greenfield port.

 

 

Harbour Engineering Department

 

5.74 Harbour Engineering Department was formed in 1982 as a separate specialized service department for Fisheries and Ports. Government of India has empanelled Harbour Engineering Department of Kerala as a consultant in the coastal engineering field for the nation as a whole. This department is the only such State Department in India. The major functions of the Department are investigation, planning, design, evaluation, execution, operation, maintenance, and management and related maritime engineering and technical works for the development schemes of the Fisheries and Port Department. During 2013-14 an amount of ₹850 lakhs , ₹930 lakhs in 2014-15 and ₹1370 lakh in 2015-16 were allotted to this Department . The following are the major achievements fo the Department during 2014-15. Ist floor extension of Chief Engineer’s office at Kamaleswaram and extension to the existing project house at Puthiyappa have been completed, mathematical model study for tidal hydrodynamics and siltation aspects for existing Fishing Harbours at Neendakara and Thottappally has been arranged and is progressing, rectification of damages to the seaward breakwater at Vizhinjam is progressing.The construction of office complex at Puthiyappa in Kozhikode district has achieved 75% progress level.

 

Hydrographic Survey Wing

 

5.75 The Hydrographic Survey Wing was constituted in 1968 as a component of the Kerala State Port Department with a view to cater to the requirements of hydrographic investigation for the development of the non-major ports of maritime State of Kerala. This wing has been conducting pre-dredging and post-dredging, pre-monsoon and post-monsoon surveys to ascertain various aspects such as requirement of dredging, data required for the construction of fishing harbours, fish landing centers, small ports etc. In addition to the routine pre-monsoon and post-monsoon survey at 16 non-major ports they also undertake survey work for other departments like Irrigation, Inland Navigation, Fisheries, Tourism, PWD and Research Institutions like Kerala Engineering Research Institute.

 

Major Achievements of Hydrographic Survey Wing for 2014-15

 

5.76 Dredging surveys at Manjeswaram, Kasaragod, Thankassery, Ayitty – Padanna boat route, Puthiyappa, Beypore, Akkulam and Munambam, sub bottom profile survey of Beypore and Thrikkunnapuzha have been conducted, digitisation report and charts of Ernakulam and Thrissur districts have been published, survey for CESS from Kadalundi to Nandihills have been conducted. Digitization of five coastal districts of Kerala have been completed. The survey launch was commissioned on July 2015. One heave compensator and differential GPS were purchased for survey launch. Construction work of superstructure of office building of Hydrographic Survey Wing for Munambam/ Paravoor sub office has been completed .One side scan sonar and four dinghies have been purchased and renovation of one Survey vessel have been completed.

 

5.77 Third batch of Basic Hydrograhic course (6 months) has commenced and Fourteen students from the 1st and IInd batch have got placement and the remaining students are doing one year on the job training.

 

5.78 Although the ports in India have shown considerable improvement over the years, their performance does not compare favourably with that of international ports. The productivity levels are still very low due to the outdated equipment, poor training, low equipment handling levels by labour, uneconomic labour practices, idle time at berth, time loss at shift change and high mining scales. Considering the criticality of the port sector to overall economic growth and to bring about an orderly development of the sector some regulatory and policy initiatives have been taken. The Port sector has been thrown open to private sector participation and new tariff guidelines have been introduced with greater flexibility to public private partnership to fix tariff based on market conditions. The security clearance guidelines for PPP bidders have been streamlined and new guidelines for leasing port lands have been announced. While the policy measures augur well for the development of the port sector, at the ground level the gap between planning and implementation remains significant because of various procedural and systematic issues, the resolution of these remains critical for the full realisation of the potential of the sector.

 

Inland Water Transport

 

5.79 Inland Water Transport is a fuel efficient and environment friendly mode of transportation. India is richly endowed with navigable waterways, comprising rivers, canals, backwaters, creeks, etc. The Inland Waterways Authority of India has been established for the development and regulation of Inland waterways for shipping and navigation and related matter. The Inland Waterways Authority of India Act, 1985, empowers the Government to declare waterways with potential for development of shipping and navigation as National Waterways.

 

5.80 The State is endowed with numerous backwaters and it is one of the States in India, where waterways are successfully used for commercial inland water transport. The transportation is mainly done with country craft and passenger vessels. There are 41 navigable rivers in Kerala. The total length of the Inland Waterways in the State is 1687 Kms. The main arterial waterway in the state is West Coast Canal. The West Coast Canal connects Hosdurg in the north to Thiruvananthapuram – Poovar in the South and is about 590 Km long including 47 Km. uncut portion from Vatakara to Azheekal.

 

5.81 The inland canals play an important role in the economy of the State as they interconnect the rivers, on the banks on which are situated places of commercial and industrial importance and also give a connection from interior places to the West Coast Canal System. It can be broadly divided in to three sections as below:

 

1. Neeleswaram to Kottappuram 348 Km

2. Kottappuram to Kollam (NW III) 168 Km

3. Kollam to Kovalam 74 Km

 

5.82 The canal portion from Thiruvananthapuram to Ponnani and then along Bharathappuzha River upto Shornur is known as Thiruvananthapuram – Shornur Canal (TS Canal). As part of a programme for developing Waterways by the Central Government, 168 Km of Waterway from Kollam to Kottappuram of West Coast Canal including Udyogamandal and Champakara Canals were declared as National Waterway No. III.

 

5.83 National Waterway from Kollam to Kottappuram is navigable. the reach from Kottappuram to Beypore is partially navigable in different stretches.The stretch from Beypore to Vatakara is at present not fully navigable.The reach from Vatakara to Mahe is to be constructed. The Mahe – Valapattanam stretch of the canal ( 42.91 km) is also not navigable The reaches north of Valapattanam upto Konni and Koratti to Neeleswaram (Kottapuram) of Kasaragod is presently navigable as per State Water way standards.

 

5.84 Government agencies engaged in the development of Inland Water Transport in the State are Coastal Shipping and Inland Navigation Department (CSIND), State Water Transport Department (SWTD) and Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation Ltd. (KSINC). An amount of₹13339 lakh, ₹10925 lakh, ₹14342 lakh and ₹15542 lakh are earmarked for this sector during 2012-13, 2013-14 2014-15 and 2015-16 respectively.

 

State Water Transport Department

 

5.85 This department was formed in1968 with headquarters at Alappuzha. During 2014-15 Kerala State Water Transport Department obtained Government sanction for purchasing three Passenger – Cum –Vehicle carrier steel boats and one solar powered passenger boat obtained and purchased five Rescue boats and seven passenger boats. Erection of dry dock facility at Alappuzha and erection of slipway at Ponjikkara, Alappuzha and Ayaitti, Kasaragod are nearing completion. Water hub at Kottayam has been completed, 2022 life jackets purchased and installed in service boats. As compared to the previous year, the number of boats in operation and the number of passengers decreased, but the number of trips increased and there was an increase in total revenue receipts of this department. 95 boats were operated with 2,75,940 trips during 2014-15. Details of operational statistics of State Water Transport Department are shown in Appendix 5.23.

 

Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation Ltd.

 

5.86 The Corporation was formed in 1989 by the statutory amalgamation of Kerala Inland Navigation Corporation Ltd. (KINCO) and Kerala Shipping Corporation Limited (KSC) both Government of Kerala Companies. KSINC is the pioneer in inland navigation, Coastal shipping and water based tourism and leisure activities in Kerala. It had started mechanized cargo transport in the inland waterways back in1980’s and started oil bunkering in the 1990s. It had also started coastal shipping activities in 1999.Presently KSINC is engaged in developing passenger and cargo transportation through inland waterways of Kerala, docking and repair of marine vessels, construction of boats, conducting navigation training programmes, conducting tourist cruises, providing navigational aids in National Waterway-III. KSINC has identified a suitable site at Kumarakom for construction of drydock for the repair of house boats of Alappuzha and Kumarakom. KSINC also intends to construct 2 cargo barges to transport furnace oil and hydrochloric acid through inland waterways and a theme cruise vessel with facilities for night stay in PPP mode.The Corporation at present has six barges two tourist boats and two Jhankars. The operational statistics of KSINC are shown in Appendix 5.23.

 

Coastal Shipping and Inland Navigation Department

 

5.87 The main Inland Canal schemes in the State are implemented through this department. The programmes implemented through this department during 2014-15 are: 250 Km at different stretches of west coast cannal made navigable. Renovation works have also been completed in some stretches of Tanoor Kootayi canal and work of the feeder canal namely Kannety canal has been completed. One of the main works under 13 th Finance Commission namely construction of Vadakara - Mahe Canal formation, 60 % of the works have been completed. Development of Feeder Canals Connecting the National Water ways III arranged through RIDF is also progressing.

 

•  

   

  Section 2

   

  Energy Sector

5.88 Energy plays a vital role in the socio-economic development and human welfare of a State. Efficient, reliable and competitively priced energy supply is a prerequisite for accelerating economic growth and human development. Apart from its contribution to economic development, it contributes significantly to revenue generation, employment, enhancing the quality of life and reducing poverty. Making available the required quantity of power of acceptable quality at affordable price is one among the prime responsibilities of the Government. For any developing country, therefore the strategy for energy development is an integral part of the overall economic strategy.

 

Energy Sector: World Scenario

 

5.89 Table 5.7 shows the resource wise details of five major energy producing countries in the world, compiled on the basis of gross resource pooling from the data of top 10 energy producing countries in the world.

 

Table 5.7

Resource position of top producers of Energy in the world

 

Country	crude oil ( Mt)+	Natural Gas (bcm)+	coal (Mt)+	Nuclear (Twh)*	Hydro El. (Twh)*
Russia	529 (12.6%)	644 (18.3%)	334 (4.21%)	173 (6.98%)	183 (4.72%)
US	509 (12.1%)	730 (20.7%)	916 (11.55%)	822 (33.17%)	290 (7.48%)
China	212 (5.05%)	130 (3.68%)	3650 (46.1%)	112 (4.52%)	920 (23.74%)
Canada	208 (4.95%)	162 (4.59%)	0	103 (4.16%)	392 (10.12%)
India	0	0	668 (8.4%)	0	142 (3.66%)
Rest of world	2742 (65.29%)	1858 (52.72%)	2357 (29.74%)	1268 (51.17%)	1947 (50.25%)
Total	4200 (100.0)	3524 (100.0)	7925 (100.0)	2478 (100.0)	3874 (100.0)

Source: World Energy Statistics,2015, International Energy Agency(IEA)

+Provisional data,2014 *Data 2013 

 

Note: The blank figures of India with regard to Crude Oil, N. Gas and Nuclear Resources do not imply that India is not a producer of these resources. But it means that India doesn’t figure in the top 10 countries list. Similarly Canada is not figuring in the top 10 countries list for Coal. But the resources of India and Canada are pooled together with the resources of rest of the World.

 

5.90 India ranks third in the production of electricity among the top 10 countries excluding production from pumped storage plants and also ranks 6th in the production of hydro electricity including production from pumped storage, Pumped storage hydro Electricity being the hydro electric energy storage used by electric power systems for load balancing. The gross electricity production status of five leading countries among the top 10 countries is exhibited in Figure.5.9

 

Fig 5.9

Major producers of Electricity -2013

Source: World Energy Statistics,2015, International Energy Agency(IEA)

 

5.91 China produces 23.3% of total world electricity and United States 18.4%, followed by India 5.1%. India neither figures in the export/import of electricity in the top 10 rankings. Canada is the leading net exporter (50 Twh) and United States is importing more electricity than other countries (59 Twh).

 

Power Sector in India

 

5.92 Thermal energy is the predominant source of energy in India and the category wise contribution of energy generation from different sources to the national grid, in percentage, is given in Table 5. 8 Total installed capacity of power in India as on September 2015 is 2,78,734 MW. The contribution of State sector is 96,455 MW (34.6 %), Central sector 74,171 MW (26.6%) and Private sector 1,08,108 MW (38.8%).

 

Table 5.8

Total Installed Capacity in India as on 30.09.2015

 

Fuel	Installed Capacity(MW)	Percentage
Thermal	194200	69.6
Hydro	42283	15.2
Nuclear	5780	2.1
Renewable Sources	36,471	13.1
Total	278734	100

Source : Ministry of Power, Govt of India

 

5.93 A major development in the power sector has been the launch of a new scheme, the Ujwal DISCOM Assuarance Yojana (UDAY) by the Ministry of Power. This is an attempt to provide affordable and accessible 24X7 power to all. Highlights of the scheme are given in Box 5.9

 

Source: Press Information Bureau, Government of India

 

Power Sector in Kerala

 

5.94 In Kerala, shortage of power is the prime obstacle in starting new industrial units. Kerala generates power from four sources - hydro power, thermal power, wind power and solar power. Of these, hydel and thermal power generations account for the bulk whereas wind and solar power generations make only marginal additions. Monsoon is essential to sustain the hydropower base in the State and the deficit in rainfall usually creates a power crisis. Yet hydel energy is the most reliable and dependable source of energy in Kerala.

 

5.95 The main challenges faced by the energy sector in the State are i) Inadequate capacity addition over the years leading to massive in house demand supply gap ii) Hydel power dominated supply scenario iii) Negligible share of renewable energy in the energy mix iv) Gap between energy conservation potential and its realization v) Limited presence of Independent Power Producers (IPP) and Co-Generating Stations (CGS) and vi) Limited penetration of star labelled products.

 

Capacity Addition during 2014-15

 

5.96 Total installed capacity of power in the State as on March 2015 is 2836 MW. Hydel contributed the major share of 2082 MW (73%) to total and 719MW was contributed by thermal projects including National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) at Kayamkulam (Kerala’s dedicated thermal station) and 35 MW from wind. Additional capacity added during 2014-15 in hydel sector was only 15.5 MW. Appendix 5.24 shows details of energy source and its installed capacity during the last five years.

 

5.97 Figure 5.10 highlights total installed capacity in Kerala from hydel, thermal and wind sources.

 

Fig 5.10

Total Installed Capacity

Source: KSEBL

 

5.98 Of the total installed capacity of 2836 MW during 2014-15, the contribution of State sector is 2186MW (77%), Central sector 360 MW (13%) and Private sector 290 MW (10%). Sector wise total installed capacity generated in Kerala from 2010-11 to 2015 is shown in Appendix 5.25. The details of power availability during the last five years are shown in Appendix 5.26.

 

Kerala’s Power Sector Projections

 

5.99 The 18th Electric Power Survey (EPS) Report indicates that there will be about 65% increase in the energy requirement of Kerala and the diagrammatic representation of peak estimated year wise demand for the period 2014-15 to 2021-22 is as given in Figure 5.11

 

Fig 5.11

18th Electric Power Survey (EPS) Projections

Source: 18th Electric Power Survey (EPS) Report

 

5.100 It can be inferred from Figure 5.11 that as the energy requirement and peak load are increasing, remedial measures in generation, transmission and distribution & in energy management with a perspective vision and mission is a must and should be incorporated in the future five year plans.

 

Performance of Power Sector Agencies

 

5.101 Power development activities in the State are carried out mainly through four agencies viz, Kerala State Electricity Board Limited (KSEBL), Agency for Non-conventional Energy and Rural Technology (ANERT), Electrical Inspectorate and Energy Management Centre (EMC). The Outlay and Expenditure of these departments for last three years of the 12th Plan are shown in Table 5.9

 

Table 5.9

Outlay and Expenditure

(₹ Lakh)

Sl. No	Department	Annual Plan 2013-14			Annual Plan 2014-15			Annual Plan 2015-16
		Outlay	Expdr.	%	Outlay	Expdr.	%	Outlay	Expdr.as on 10/2015	%
1	KSEBL	117612	87780.85	74.64	131426	83569.69	63.59	140942	52011.11	36.90
2	ANERT	3980	2140.00	53.77	4280	64.66	1.51	4280	10.17	0.24
3	MTSL	340	339.80	99.94	360	359.58	99.88	560	2.71	0.48
4	EMC	338	68.00	20.12	938	653.46	69.67	938	264.44	28.19
	Total	122270	90328.65	73.88	137004	84647	61.78	146720	52287.43	35.64

Source: Plan space

 

 

Kerala State Electricity Board Limited (KSEBL)

 

5.102 KSEBL has been responsible for the generation, transmission and supply of electricity in the State, with particular mandate to provide electricity at affordable cost to the domestic as well as for agricultural purposes.

5.103 In order to comply with the provisions of Electricity Act 2003 and the Government of India directives, the Kerala Government notified a transfer scheme vide GO (M.S) No.37/2008/PD dated, 25.9.2008 through which all assets and liabilities of KSEB were vested with the State Government. The assets and liabilities were revested with fully owned government company, KSEB Limited under the Indian Companies Act, 1956 on 14th January 2011.

 

 

•  

   

   

  Generation

   

  5.104 The electricity demand of the State is met through generation from KSEBL, Central Generating Stations (CGS), Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and Traders. Generation from KSEB’s own plants provide 34% (7342 MU) of the total energy requirement. Import from CGS,IPPs,UI and Traders provides the rest of the (14996 MU) total requirement. 18795.44 MU of energy was also sold (including sales outside the state ) during the year 2014-15.KSEBL has 19 hydel projects,2 gas based projects and one solar project under its purview in the pipeline. The details of the project can be seen in Appendix 5.27

   

  Pattern of Power Consumption

   

  5.105 Kerala’s consumption is predominantly domestic, which accounts for 50% of the total consumption. Revenue from domestic consumers is only 32% of the total revenue. The domestic category consumers showed a growth rate of more than 2% from 8788916 in 2013-14 to 8987947 in 2014-15. Per capita consumption has increased by 5.43% i.e. to 544 kWh in 2014-15 against 516kWh in 2013-14. During 2014-15, 18426 MU of energy valued at ₹1074485 lakh was sold (internally) showing an increase of 972 MU as compared to the previous years 17454 MU. It is also estimated that the annual consumption and maximum demand will be 26584 MU and 4669 MW respectively by the end of 12th Plan period (2017).The details of the pattern of power consumption and revenue collected during 2014-15 may be seen in Appendix 5.28.

   

  Electrical Energy Consumption

   

  5.106 Electrical Energy consumption in Kerala during 2010-11 to 2014-15 is depicted in Figure 5.12. The average annual increase in Electrical Energy Consumption is 6.11% since 2010-11.

   

  Fig 5.12

  Electrical Energy Consumption in Kerala (Kwh)

   

• Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)

   

  5.107 KSEB has entered into a PPA with various Central Generating Stations such as NTPC and Neyveli Lignite Corporation. This includes purchase of 229.9MW of power from Nuclear power stations and 1172.2 MW of power from various Thermal stations. As a measure to encourage non-conventional sources of energy, KSEBL has executed PPAs for purchase of power from Wind Energy Projects, Agali (18.60 MW) & Ramakkalmedu (14.25MW) and from small Hydro Projects Meenvallam(3MW), Iruttukkanam (3 MW), Karikkayam (10.5 MW) Ullunkal (7 MW) and Mankulam Mini Hydro(0.11 MW). Power is also being purchased from co-generation plant of MPS steel, Kanjikode (10MW) and Philips Carbon Black Ltd., Kochi (10MW). The capacity allocated from various stations for which the PPAs have been executed is given in Appendix 5.29. 

   

   

   

  Transmission

   

   

  5.108 Transmission of electricity means a bulk transfer of power over a long distance at high voltage, generally of 110 KV and above. A good transmission system is necessary for effective distribution and to procure power from outside the State. In the Transmission sector, many planned works could not be taken up due to land acquisition and right of way related issues. The performance of the construction of substations with various capacities has not achieved the desired target. Out of the target of 8 numbers of 110 KV substations, only 1 substation was completed and in the case of 33 KV substations, 1 substation was completed against the target of 13 numbers. In the case of 220KV substation, 1 substation was completed while none has come up in the case of 66KV sub stations. Kerala’s Transmission system consisting of substations and its connected lines are given in Appendix 5.30 and 5.31.

   

  Improving the Transmission & Distribution Infrastructure

   

  5.109 In order to improve the present situation, more capacity needs to be created in transmission, for which optimization of the available right of way should be the first priority. Improving the carrying capacity of lines through upgradation, changing of conductors, replacing of support structures with stronger and narrow based towers, together with upgradation of substations are the options to be explored in this regard. In the case of new lines, narrow based structures /monopole is advisable as they require minimum footprint. Space constraints will also limit the choice of substations to indoor Gas Insulated Sub Stations (GIS) in town centers.

   

  Renovation, Modernisation and Uprating (RMU) of old Generating Stations

   

  5.110 Renovation, modernisation and life extension works are to be carried out in the older generating units, which had exceeded their normal life span of 35-40 years, in order to improve their performance and extend useful life. Upgrading the capacity of generating units also needs to be attempted, wherever possible. Renovation of projects/schemes such as Poringalkuthu, Sholayar, Kuttiyadi and Idukki Stage-I were initiated for ensuring continued optimal utilisation of these stations.

   

  Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT & C) losses

   

  5.111 During 2014-15 AT&C loss has come down to 14.52% from 14.96% in 2013-14.The corresponding data for the country is 23.04% (2013-14).It means that KSEB has made significant progress in the field of reducing AT&C loss. From 2003-04 onwards AT&C loss has consistently come down by way of replacement of faulty meters, intensification of theft detection, installation of new substations and lines, upgradation and modernization of transmission and distribution network through Accelerated Power Development Reforms Programme (APDRP). The impact of AT & C loss reduction during the last five years is shown in Appendix 5.32. The decreasing trend of T & D loss during the last 5 years can be seen in Figure. 5.13

   

  Fig 5.13

  T & D Losses (%)

  

  Source: KSEBL

 

 

 

Distribution

 

 

5.112 In the distribution segment, there are 55386 circuit Km of 11 KV lines, 268753 Km of LT lines and 71100 distribution transformers. During the financial year 2014-15, 4,22,238 service connections were given (against the target of 4,35,861), 1807 kms of 11 kV lines (against the target of 2665km) and 4636 km of LT lines (against the target of 4322 km) were commissioned. The target and achievement of the distribution infrastructure during 2014-15 is given in Appendix 5.33.

 

5.113 To improve customer satisfaction, model section concept was introduced and rolled out all over the State. SMS based complaint registration system (SMS CRS) introduced for speedy rectification of consumer complaints. E-payment facility for HT/EHT consumers is implemented. E-payment facility for LT consumers is being implemented since 23.04.2013. 

 

5.114 Voltage & frequency of the power system was well within the specified limits. The availability of EHT & HT feeders was above 99% all over the State.

 

Demand Side Management activities

 

5.115 As part of Demand Side Management (DSM) activities, an Energy Audit Cell has been formed during the year 2007 with the objective of conducting energy audit and for taking steps as per provisions of the Energy Conservation Act 2001. As part of this, workshops have been conducted in thermal and hydro stations for formulating action plan for energy audits and for promoting energy conservation activities. Sub division level DSM Cells were formed for conducting awareness programme on energy conservation for major energy consumers, resident associations and students to restrict energy consumption during peak hours. Programme on energy conservation implemented through schools, named “Nalekkithiri Oorjam’’ is jointly organized by KSEBL, Energy Management Centre (EMC) and Education Department.

5.116 Anti Power Theft Squad (APTS) was active during the last 5 years. The details of amount realized by means of APTS inspections are detailed in Table 5.10

 

Table 5.10

Anti-Power Theft Squad (APTS) Inspection

 

Particulars	2010-11	2011-12	2012-13	2013-14	2014-15	2015-16 (as on 09/2015)
No of inspections	23479	24090	21609	16253	31369	18179
No.of cases Registered	2980	336	382	272	4446	2409
Amount Assessed in (₹ Crore)	15.56	17.39	25.10	28.03	34.15	17.24
Amount realized in (₹ Crore)	11.85	11.35	15.18	12.12	1.75	11.36

Source : KSEBL

 

5.117 During 2015-16, the APTS wing conducted 18179 inspections till 09/2015, and out of the assessed amount of ₹17.24 Crore, ₹11.36 Crore were realized.

 

Restructured Accelerated Power Development and Reform Programme (R-APDRP)

 

5.118 As part of the efforts to reduce technical and commercial losses,43 schemes have been sanctioned under Part-A of R-APDRP at a total project cost of ₹28832 Lakh. Out of this, ₹21440 lakh has been sanctioned as loan from Ministry of Power and the balance amount of ₹7394 lakh is to be met from Board’s own fund. Part-A of R-APDRP includes IT applications for energy accounting & auditing, IT based consumer indexing, GIS mapping, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition(SCADA)/Distribution Management System (DMS), metering of Distribution Transformers (DTRs) & feeders etc.

 

5.119 Part-B of the R-APDRP scheme involves works aimed at loss reduction so as to bring down the AT&C losses to a sustainable level of less than 15%. 42 out of 43 eligible schemes have been sanctioned by Ministry of Power for a total project cost of ₹87217 Lakh and the works are in progress. SCADA schemes of Thiruvananthapuram (₹2899 lakh), Kochi (₹2976 lakh) and Kozhikode (₹2440 lakh) cities have been sanctioned for a total project cost of ₹8315 lakh.

 

5.120 The details of the financial and physical progress of implementation of Rajeev Gandhi Grameen Vydhutheekaran Yojana (RGGVY) are shown in the Appendix 5.34.

 

Projects in the Pipeline

Solar/Wind Power Projects

 

5.121 KSEB proposes to increase its own wind generation capacity by at least 100 MW. The existing land available with KSEB at various locations such as Kanjikode, Madakkathara, Pothencode, Idukki etc. would be explored for installing wind generators after studying the feasibility.

5.122 As per the renewable purchase obligation notified by Regulatory Commission, the solar power purchase obligation for distribution licensees is 0.25% of the total energy consumption for the year 2010-11 which will increase every year to reach 3% by 2022. KSEBL proposes to implement solar power plants at vacant lands available at the sites of existing substations, powerhouses, rooftops of Vydyuthi Bhavanams etc. and also in various government buildings.

 

Gas based power projects

 

5.123 To augment the power generation capacity of the State, a number of new natural gas based power plants are proposed by various agencies. One of the proposals under consideration is the 400 MW gas based power plant at Brahmapuram by KSEB in the land available adjacent to the existing diesel plant. Detailed feasibility report for the project is being prepared and various studies and preliminary works are in progress.

 

Coal based power projects

 

5.124 Government and KSEBL is planning to set up a coal based power project in the State for meeting the future additional requirement of power. Even though Ministry of Coal has de-allocated the Baitarni West coal block previously allocated to Kerala, it is expected that the coal block would be re-allocated to Kerala under the present coal block allocation process. The project is proposed to be set up in the 2000 acres of land available with Government at Cheemeni in Kasargod. The capacity of the power project could be up to 2400 MW depending on the availability of coal and land. Proposal for according sanction to KSEBL for setting up the power plant and for transfer of the land to KSEBL is under consideration of the Government.

 

Petcoke based power project at Kochi:

 

5.125 A 500 MW capacity power plant is proposed to be set up at Ambalamugal in Kochi in the land expected to be available from Fertilisers and Chemicals Travancore (FACT). Petcoke, which would be available from the refinery expansion project of Kochi Refinery, will be utilised as fuel in the power plant. Discussions are in progress with FACT for transfer of land and with Bharath Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) for fuel supply for the project.

 

Innovation Fund and ESCOT(Energy Saving and Co-Ordination Team)

 

5.126 Aiming at research for developing viable solutions to address energy shortage in the State, Innovation fund has been provided to set up Energy Innovation Zone. The focus of this State aided project is to promote and implement innovative ideas. An amount of ₹700 lakh was provided in the Annual Plan 2015-16 as state share for Innovation fund and ESCOT. The projects for the year included Grid connected Solar Photo Voltaic installation in dams and reservoirs of KSEBL and other suitable locations, promotion of solar powered inverters with peak load shifters. Besides this, support was provided to the projects mooted through Energy Open Innovation Zone (EOIZ) at start up village.

 

Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS)

 

5.127 Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS) is a new program launched by Ministry of Power, Government of India for improving the distribution infrastructure of urban areas. The scheme covers works relating to strengthening and augmentation of sub-transmission & distribution network in the urban areas, metering of distribution transformers/feeders/consumers and IT enabling & strengthening in distribution. KSEBL has submitted proposals for 63 municipal towns in all the districts for a total amount of ₹59207 lakh. The ongoing R-APDRP scheme is subsumed under this scheme.

 

Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY)

 

5.128 This is a new program launched by Ministry of Power for improving the distribution infrastructure of rural areas and for ensuring 24x7 power supply to all rural households. The scheme covers works relating to strengthening and augmentation of sub-transmission & distribution network in the rural areas, feeder segregation works, metering of distribution transformers/feeders/consumers etc. The scheme will be implemented in all the districts. Ministry of Power has sanctioned projects worth ₹48292 lakh in the State. It is proposed to complete the works within a period of two years. The ongoing RGGVY scheme is subsumed under this scheme.

 

 

 

 

Agency for Non-conventional Energy and Rural Technology (ANERT)

 

 

5.129 Agency for Non-conventional Energy and Rural Technology (ANERT) is an autonomous body under the Power Department, Government of Kerala. ANERT is the nodal agency for the implementation and propagation of non-conventional sources of energy in the State.

 

5.130 The programmes taken up by ANERT includes solar photovoltaic programmes, solar thermal programmes, wind energy programmes, biogas programmes, improved chulha programmes, publicity and awareness programmes. The assistance from Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India is also available for these schemes.

 

Achievements of ANERT

 

• ANERT has installed and commissioned 2459 family type bio gas plants under state scheme 2014-15. It is estimated that energy equivalent to 41199 LPG cylinder was saved during this period. Further 2938 improved chulhas have been installed under 2014-15 programme (1857 improved chulha to SC/ST &THS, 1081 under community models).

• During 2014-15,4303 evacuated tube collector type solar water heating systems of collector area 6454.5 m2 and 1078 flat plate collector based solar water heating systems of solar collector area 2156 m2 have been installed and subsidy given to 74 m2 ETC (Evacuated Tube Collector) based systems and 511.5 m2 FPC (Flat Plate Collector) based systems.

• During 2014-15, 3793 CFL/LED based solar lanterns have been distributed to BPL/SC/ST/Fishermen category beneficiaries and 3332 CFL/LED based lanterns distributed to General category

• 10000 Rooftop Solar Power Plant (Off Grid) Programme implemented by ANERT was recognised by ‘AREAS’ as most innovative programme implemented by a State Nodal Agency.

• ANERT had organised 22 Awareness Camps in the fourteen districts during the period. These camps mainly focused on the ongoing ‘Solar Grid Connect ’ programme. ANERT had also conducted two training programmes on Solar Photovoltaic systems.

 

Energy Management Centre-Kerala

 

5.131 Energy Management Centre (EMC), Kerala is an autonomous body under the Department of Power, Government of Kerala, devoted to the improvement of energy efficiency in the State, promotion of energy conservation and encouraging development of technologies related to energy through research, training, demonstration programmes and awareness creation.

 

Achievements of Energy Management Centre

 

• Energy conservation efforts in the State during the year 2014-15 saved 291 MU of electricity, 41233 MT of oil, 5920 MT of Coal and 57.163 MT of LPG.

• Under Smart Energy Programme 392 Schools were enrolled and 586 training/awareness programmes were organised for students/ teachers.

• In the Industrial Sector, 19 capacity building programmes on energy efficiency/ conservation were organized in different parts of the State.

• EMC participated in 32 exhibitions across the State for promoting energy efficiency/ conservation.

• In order to promote energy conservation among domestic house-wives, EMC conducted 795 energy clinic programme throughout the State.

• 100 numbers of energy conservation programmes were organized among general public, including the promotion of star labelled products.

• Completed the evaluation of 11 energy audit reports and empanelled 9 new energy audit firms under mandatory energy audit scheme for HT/EHT consumers

• 70 numbers of 100W LED street light installed at Vellayambalam - Vazhuthacaud road

• Successfully completed the LED village programme at Nilambur Municipality

• EMC along with Electrical Inspectorate Department organised 10 district level training programme for 1223 electrical wire-men and supervisors on electrical safety and energy conservation.

• Through mandatory energy audit scheme, 3.3 MU of electricity saving was achieved through the implementation of audit report recommendations.

• 23 SHP projects with a cumulative installed capacity of 100 MW were allotted IPP/CPP investor sanction on competitive tender under BOOT scheme

• 49 pico hydel projects (52 KW) were installed at various parts of State, where there is no grid power, under MNRE support.

• EMC received the first prize under the category of State Designated Agency for energy conservation activities, from the Ministry of Power, Government of India. This is the 5th time EMC is receiving this prestigious award.

• EMC received the 7th India Power Award for the best efforts in energy efficiency and DSM from the Council of Power Utilities.

• EMC successfully completed the detailed project report for the safe disposal of CFL/Fluorescent lamps in Kerala

• EMC provided financial subsidy scheme for conducting energy audit in 10 PSUs

• EMC provided technical supports for promoting LED streetlight in Kerala through LSG Department

 

Department of Electrical Inspectorate

 

5.132 The Electrical Inspectorate is functioning under the Department of Power, Government of Kerala. Safety inspections are carried out and sanction for energisation for all HT/ EHT and other medium voltage installation in the State are issued by this department. Enquiry of all electrical accidents occurring in the State and forwarding the enquiry report to the Government and taking actions against responsible person/authority are also done by this Department.

 

Achievements of Electrical Inspectorate

 

5.133 The motto of Meter Testing and Standards Laboratory (MTSL) is to provide testing and calibration of various types of electrical equipment. At present calibration facilities is available for voltage, current, resistance, frequency, power, power factor and energy. The testing facilities include pre-commissioning tests for protection relays and instrument transformers. Also pre-commissioning tests are conducted for power transformers, cables and circuit breakers. All calibrations and tests are conducted as per national and international standards.

 

NABL Accredited Meter Testing and Standards Laboratory at Thiruvananthapuram

 

5.134 The Meter Testing and Standards Laboratory at Thiruvananthapuram attached to the Department is the only Laboratory in the State under the State Government which has got NABL (National Accreditation Board for Calibration and Testing laboratories) accreditation, for Electro Technical Calibration for the parameters AC & DC voltage and current, resistance, power & energy. A 3 phase Automatic Energy Meter Test Bench has been procured during the year 2010 – 2011. Now it is possible to calibrate 20 energy meters of different types at a time. The Meter Testing and Standards Laboratory, Thiruvananthapuram is the only lab in the State with this facility as per the Central Electricity Authority (Installation and operation of meters) Regulations, 2006.

 

• Service Quality Management Systems Certification by Bureau of Indian Standards as per I.S.15700: 2005

 

5.135 Electrical Inspectorate has achieved the prestigious ‘SEVOTHAM CERTIFICATION’ (SQMS Certification) as per I.S. 15700 : 2005 from the Bureau of Indian Standards and is the first department in the country to bag this certification.

 

Status of Electrical Installation in the State

 

5.136 Number of safety inspections conducted by the Department as per the Central Electricity Authority (measures relating to safety and electric supply) regulation,2010 has increased considerably during the last five years. Electrical installations including EHT, HT, multi storeyed buildings, lift escalator, X Ray, CT scanner, neon sign, DG set, permanent and temporary cinema theatres are inspected by this Department and issued safety certificates thereafter. The number of electrical installations during last 5 years is shown in Figure 5.14

 

Fig 5.14

Electrical Installations during the last 5 years

Source: Department of Electrical Inspectorate

 

Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KSERC)

 

5.137 The Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KSERC), a statutory organization of quasi-judicial nature, was established in the year 2002. The Commission has been taking all efforts to bring in an effective and efficient regulatory process in the power Sector in the state.

 

Important activities of the KSERC during 2014-15

 

5.138 In 2014-15, the Commission held 56 hearings for the disposal of the petitions filed before the Commission. In addition, the Commission held a number of routine internal meetings to transact business relating to administrative matters, framing and finalization of regulations, admission of petitions, ARR & ERC (Agregate Revenue Requirement and Expected Revenue from Charges) of the licensees and other matter related to the day to day functioning of the Commission.

 

5.139 During 2014-15, Commission has received 36 petitions including 11 petitions related to the ARR & ERC and truing up of the KSEB and other licensees. The Commission has issued orders on 38 petitions, including pending petitions. During 2015, upto September, the Commission received 16 petitions including ARR & ERC and Truing up petitions. The Commission held 39 hearings and issued orders on 19 petitions during the period 2015-16 (April to September).

 

Source: CIAL

 

 

 

 

Section 3

 

Urban Infrastructure

 

 

5.140 Considering the special features of urbanisation and the geographical peculiarities of Kerala, the process of urbanisation in the State requires special attention while moulding various urban infrastructure development programmes. The scattered pattern of urbanisation and high density of population of the State are a big challenge for the creation of urban infrastructure. Urban infrastructure challenges range from suitable and effective waste management system, city sanitation plans, establishment and enhancement of public comfort facilities, implementation/improvement of sewerage schemes, implementation/improvement of storm water drainage scheme, to effective parking policy and modern mechanised parking system and beautification of cities and creation of green cities and non motorised urban conveyance. Rapid urbanisation and intense commercial development in cities has necessitated the creation of new mass transport system in cities and improvement of existing transportation system. Implementation of Metro Rail system in Kochi and Light Metros in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode are some initiatives in that direction. The major urban development programmes being implemented in the State are given below.

 

1. Kerala Sustainable Urban Development Project (KSUDP)

 

5.141 The Kerala Sustainable Urban Development Project is an externally aided project funded by the Asian Development Bank for addressing the challenges of urbanisation. KSUDP deals with the improvement, upgradation and expansion of existing urban infrastructure facilities and basic urban environmental services in five Municipal Corporations of the State viz; Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kochi, Thrissur and Kozhikode. The objectives of the project are to improve urban environment and living conditions of the people living in the five cities. It focuses on improvement of urban infrastructure (water supply, sewage, solid waste management, urban drainage and roads, poverty alleviation, improvement of slums and livelihood promotion and capacity building). During 2014-15 an amount of ₹150 crore was budgeted and the expenditure incurred was ₹62.38 crore. In addition to the above the other projects being undertaken through KSUDP are establishment of package septage treatment plants, nagarajothi project and urban 2020 scheme.

 

5.142 KSUDP is entrusted with the establishment of package septage treatment plants in all districts of Kerala. In the 1st phase three plants are being constructed, two at Ernakulam and one at Palakkad. The work was begun in March 2014 at an estimated cost of ₹4.15 crore for each plant. Among them the package septage treatment plant at Brahmapuram Kochi has already been completed. The works inrespect of the package of sepetage treatment plant at Cochin Port Trust is ongoing. So far an amount of ₹553.48 lakh has been transferred to KSUDP and out of which₹536.50 lakh has been expended.

 

5.143 The scheme “NagaraJothi” project is the initiative of Government of Kerala to replace the existing street lights by energy efficient LED lighting system. The scheme is a joint venture of KSEB and LSG Department (Urban Affairs). The objectives of the project are to instal latest LED technology to replace the conventional lamps, enhancing the quality of street lighting, saving in energy bills and reducing expenditure on operation and maintenance. The scheme is envisaged in such a way that the capital investments required for the implementation of the scheme has to be reimbursed by the concerned urban local body to the implementing agency on PPP annuity mode within a maximum span of 7 years. Finalisation of tender formalities of 37 municipalities which submitted their consent to implement the project are going on.

 

5.144 Urban 2020 is a scheme initiated by the Local Self Government Department to assist the urban local bodies of the State technically and financially for preparing a shelf of detailed project reports to address their urban infrastructure issues. KSUDP was designated as the State level nodal agency of the scheme and 31 consultancy firms were empanelled for the preparation of DPRs. Presently, 128 project ideas submitted by 48 urban local bodies at an estimated cost of ₹4100 crore are undergoing review. The sectors covered under the projects are water, waste water, urban renewal, urban transport and solid waste management. So far ₹30 crore has been earmarked from the State share of Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission and the expenditure reported as on 31 -10-2015 is ₹2.06 crore. Details of major projects included under KSUDP are given in Appendix 5.35.

 

2.Capital Region Development Project

 

5.145 The Capital Region Development Project (CRDP) was introduced in 2002 to improve the quality of life of people in the capital city by strengthening and improving the critical infrastructure like roads, water supply, solid waste management, surface water drainage, city beautification and bus terminals. The activities pertaining to CRDP phase I have been implemented by Kerala Sustainable Urban Development Project (KSUDP) through various agencies like Kerala Water Authority, TRIDA/Kerala Road Fund Board and KSRTC. During 2014-15 an amount of ₹26.87 crore was released from budget and the entire amount was utilised for different activities under CRDP. Details of projects undertaken by Capital Region Development Programme are given in Appendix 5.36.

 

3. Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM)

 

5.146 Government of India adopted a mission mode approach for implementation of urban infrastructure improvement programme in a time bound manner in selected cities by launching the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission in 2005. Admissible components included in the mission were redevelopment of inner city areas, water supply and sanitation, sewerage and solid waste management, construction and improvement of drains/storm water drains, urban transport including roads, highways/express ways/metro projects, parking lots/spaces on Public Private Partnership basis, development of heritage areas, prevention and rehabilitation of soil erosion/land slides only in case of special category states where such problems are common and preservation of water bodies. The two cities selected as Mission Cities from the State under the 1st phase of JnNURM were Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi. There were 15 sanctioned projects under the urban infrastructure and governance component of Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission. Among the 15 projects, the bus projects of Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi alone were completed before the mission period. 3 projects were dropped and 1 was foreclosed due to public protest. The remaining projects are included in the spillover work. The funding pattern of Thiruvananthapuram Corporation is Government of India 80%, Government of Kerala 10%, ULB 10% and that of Kochi Corporation is Government of India 50%, Government of Kerala 30% and ULB 20%. Details of projects approved for implementation under JnNURM are given in Appendix 5.37. On expiry of the mission period of the 1st phase of JnNURM on 31-03-14, the Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India announced sanction of new projects under the transition phase for a period of 3 years w.e.f. 1-04-2014. Under the transition phase, sanction was accorded for the procurement of 400 buses for improving urban transportation in the various cities of the State excluding Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi.

 

4. Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme for Small and Medium Towns (UIDSSMT)

 

5.147 The Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme for Small and Medium Towns (UIDSSMT) is a sub-scheme of Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission launched by Government of India during the year 2005-06 to improve the infrastructure in small and medium towns in the country in a planned manner. In Kerala, 61 urban local bodies (excluding Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi Corporations, Thrippunithura and Kalamasseri Municipalities) are eligible for getting financial assistance under the scheme. The funding pattern is 80:20 shared by the Central and State Governments. The State share (20%) would be equally borne (ie.10% each) by the State Government and the participating urban local self governments. Under the scheme 25 projects were approved by Government of India for the 22 municipalities of the State. This includes 13 water supply projects, 11 solid waste management projects and one sewerage project. Out of the above projects, 2 water supply projects have been completed, 9 solid waste management schemes, sewage schemes were foreclosed due to non availability of land and public protest. At present 10 water supply schemes and 2 solid waste management schemes are prograsing as spillover projects. So far cumulative expenditure reported as on 31-10-2015 is ₹390.74 crore. In the transition phase of UIDSSMT for a period of 3 years w.e.f 1-04-2014, six projects worth ₹184.47 crore were sanctioned and one project having an approved project cost of ₹14.66 crore was released by Government of India. During 2014-15 an amount of ₹184.55 crore was budgeted and the amount expended was ₹33.27 crore. Details of projects approved under UIDSSMT are given in Appendix 5.38.

 

5. Basic Services to the Urban Poor (BSUP)

 

5.148 Basic Services to the Urban Poor (BSUP) is a sub-component of Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JnNURM) and implemented through Kudumbashree. The duration of the mission is seven years beginning 2005-06. Only two corporations in the state, Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi come under the scheme. The objective of the scheme is to provide basic services and civic amenities with a view to provide utilities to urban poor. A City Development Plan (CDP) would be required before the city can access mission fund. The CDP of Thiruvananthapuram includes five adjacent Grama Panchayats in addition to the Corporation area. 13 adjacent Panchayats and Thripunithara, Kalamassery Municipalities are included in the CDP of Kochi. The total allocation under BSUP to the State during the mission period is ₹250 crore. Projects are sanctioned based on the detailed project report submitted by the mission cities. The Central share will be released in four instalments (25% each) based on submission of utilization certificate for 70% expenditure of the funds released. The fund sharing pattern for Thiruvananthapuram is 80:20 by Central and State Governments. The State share is borne equally by the State and Local Governments. For Kochi Corporation the sharing pattern is 50:50 by Central and State Governments. Out of 50% of State Share, 30% would be born by the State Government and the balance amount after deducting beneficiary share would be borne by the respective urban local bodies. Four phases of projects worth ₹208.01 crores and 3 phases of projects worth ₹135.66 crore was sanctioned for Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi Corporations respectively. Under this scheme, out of 23,577 houses sanctioned, 19060 have been started and 16312 completed. The total expenditure incurred for the project so far is ₹226.13 crore. Details of projects sanctioned under BSUP for the two Corporations are given in Appendix 5.39. The physical achievements of the scheme are summarized in Appendix 5.40.

 

6. Rajeev Awas Yojana

 

5.149 The scheme for slum dwellers and urban poor under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission envisages a ‘slum free India” through encouraging States/Union territories to tackle the problem of slums in a definite manner. Under the scheme each State would prepare a State Slum Free Plan of Action (POA). The State POA would include the cities identified by the State and intended to be covered under RAY in five years. Government of India had given sanction to prepare Slum Free City Plan of Action of five Corporations (Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kochi, Thrissur and Kozhikode) of Kerala. At present the main work of Kudumbasree under RAY is the preparation of slum free city plan by conducting detailed MIS based socio economic survey and GIS based geo-referenced mapping including total survey. The total project cost approved in 5 urban local bodies is ₹160.76 crore and the expenditure incurred during the year is ₹4.60 crore. During 2014-15, 85 houses were completed out of 320 houses started. Projects sanctioned under RAY are given in Appendix 5.41.

 

7. Integrated Housing & Slum Development Programme (IHSDP)

 

5.150 Integrated Housing and Slums Development Programme (IHSDP) was launched during 2006-07 aimied at the holistic development of slums in urban areas. The basic objective of the scheme was to strive for holistic slum development with a healthy environment by providing adequate shelter and basic infrastructure facilities to the slum dwellers of the identified urban areas. IHSDP is to be implemented in all towns and cities identified as per 2001 Census cities, except cities/towns covered under JnNURM. (Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi Corporations). The components for assistance under IHSDP include all slum development/ improvement/relocation projects including new house construction/improvement of houses and infrastructural facilities. The financing pattern of the scheme is in the ratio of 80:20 by Central and State Governments. Beneficiary share (12% for General and 10% for SC/ST) is stipulated for projects for individual beneficiaries like housing. Out of 20% State share, the balance fund after deducting beneficiary share will be borne equally by the urban local body and State (Maximum state share is 10% of the total project cost). 53 projects of urban local bodies have been sanctioned by Government of India at a total project cost of ₹273.32 crore. During 2014-15, 759 of the 1076 houses initiated were completed and incurred an expenditure of ₹57.71 crore. The total expenditure incurred for the project so far is ₹141.83 crore. During 2015-16, Government of India has informed that the project will be discontinued from 31-03-2015 and later Government of India has extended the project completion period up to 31-03-2017. The achievements of the scheme are summarized in Appendix 5.42. Details of projects approved by Government of India and fund released to 53 urban local bodies are given in Appendix 5.43.

 

8. National Urban Livelihood Mission

 

5.151 The Government of India has launched the National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM) by replacing the previous scheme SJSRY for reducing poverty and vulnerability of the urban poor. The mission aims to reduce poverty and vulnerability of the urban poor households by enabling them to access gainful self employment and skilled wage employment opportunities. Mobilisation of the urban poor by strengthening SHG’s is one of the major components of the Programme, for which there is provision for revolving fund and the formation of SHG’s. So far 2960 SHG’s has been funded under this programme. In addition to this there is provision for self employment of urban poor; in which soft loan to the tune of ₹10 lakh is being given to the urban group. Also there is provision for employment through skill development and provision for rehabilitation of street vendors. During 2014-15, an amount of ₹418.33 lakh has been expended for the scheme. The financial and physical achievements and the district wise thrift and credit operation under NULM as on 30-09-2015 are shown in Appendix 5.44, 5.45 and 5.46 respectively.

 

9. Ayyankali Urban Employment Guarantee Scheme

 

5.152 Ayyankali Urban Employment Guarantee Scheme was started during 2009-10. It is intended to address the unemployment and under-employment problems in the urban society. The objective of the scheme is to enhance livelihood security in urban areas by providing at least 100 days of guaranteed wage employment to every household whose adult members are willing to do unskilled manual labour. Creation of durable community assets and strengthening the livelihood resource base of the urban poor is also envisaged in the scheme. The scheme is structured on the pattern of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. While providing employment, priority shall be given to women. At least 50% of the beneficiaries shall be women who have registered and requested for work under the scheme. During 2014-15, an amount of ₹748.3 lakh has been expended for the scheme and created 3,61,100 work days.

 

10.Development Authorities in Urban Infrastructure

 

(i) Thiruvananthapuram Development Authority (TRIDA)

5.153 Thiruvananthapuram Development Authority (TRIDA) was constituted for the imple-mentation of projects for planned and scientific development of Thiruvananthapuram city and adjoining areas. The jurisdiction of TRIDA extends to Thiruvananthapuram Corporation covering an area of 293.65 sq. kms. TRIDA has been appointed as the nodal agency for the land acquisition related works as a part of the Capital Region Development Programme. Under this programme, 12 roads totaling a distance of 42.6 Kms have been taken up for improvements. The land acquisition for widening of roads has been completed and the land was handed over to the Kerala Road Fund Board (KRFB) for road widening works. Details of major projects undertaken by TRIDA are given in Appendix 5.47.

 

(ii) Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA)

 5.154 Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) is an autonomous body constituted under the Local Self Government Department of the Government of Kerala. The GCDA aims at formulating and implementing various urban development schemes and projects for the welfare of the general public in the area coming under its jurisdiction. The jurisdiction of this authority covers an area of 732 sq.kms consisting of Cochin Corporation, 6 Municipalities and 33 Grama Panchayaths. The development schemes launched by the authority are implementation of town planning schemes, research studies related to urban development and Infrastructure development schemes viz. housing, roads, bridges, flyover, commercial infrastructure development, neighbourhood development projects, environmental improvement projects, construction of stadiums and sports complexes etc. Government have recently revived the Development Authorities of Thrissur, Kozhikode and Kollam. The details of major programmes under taken by GCDA are given in Appendix 5.48.

 

 

 

Section 4

 

Communication Infrastructure

 

Postal Network of Kerala

5.155 Indian postal system is the largest in the World with a network of about 1.55 lakh Post Offices, of which 1.39 lakh (89.78 %) are in rural areas and 15826 (10.22%) in urban areas of the country. The postal network consists of four categories of post offices namely, Head Post Offices, Sub Post Offices, Extra Departmental Sub Post Offices and Extra Departmental Branch Post Offices.

 

5.156 Kerala Postal circle includes the entire State of Kerala, the Union Territory of Lakshadweep and Mahe under the Union Territory of Puducherry. Kerala is the only postal circle where every village has at least one post office. As on 31.09.2015, there are 5068 post offices in the circle, of which 1508 are Departmental post offices and 3560 Extra Departmental post offices. On an average each post office in the State serves an area of 7.69 Sq.km and a population of 6606 as against the national average of 21.21 sq.km and a population of 7175 people. Around 83 percent of the post offices are located in rural areas. Major Activities of Kerala Postal Circle are given in Box 5.13. More details are available in Appendices 5.49, 5.50, 5.51 and 5.52.

 

Source: Chief Post Master General

 

5.157 As a result of these initiatives on the part of Indian Post, Post Offices in Kerala have improved their functioning as the hub for every citizen. Every citizen now has access to this hub which is close to his/her doorstep.

 

Telecommunications

5.158 Telecommunication is one of the prime support services needed for rapid growth and modernisation of the economy. The telecommunication service in India has improved significantly since independence. Kerala Telecom circles serve the whole of Kerala State, the Union Territory of Lakshadweep and part of Union Territory of Puducherry (Mahe). The circle has 11 major Secondary Switching Areas (SSAs) and one minor SSA of Lakshadweep. The status of telecom sector in Kerala is given in Box 5.14

 

Source: BSNL

 

5.159 All the Panchayats and all the villages in the Circle have been provided with public telephones. There is wide network of over 28915 Public Telephones for easy access to the average public and it has become very popular among the people. The State has a modern telecom network spanning its length and breadth and comprises state-of-the-art digital switches interconnected by reliable Optical Fibre/Microwaves/Satellite media. The State is served by 1294 automatic exchanges all of which are Digital electronic.

 

5.160 BSNL has launched WIMAX (Wireless Broadband Service) service with mobility for the first time in the State with 456 towers covering all the SSA Head Quarters. As part of Digital India Project (NOFN) 1130 internet connections (978 Grama panchayats and 152 Block Offices) have been provided. 87524 landline connections converted with New Generation switch which is a packet based network able to provide telecommunication services, multiple Broadband enabled transport technologies.

 

5.161 Public Grievance Cell is working at Circle level with ‘12727’ and District level with ‘12728’ other than computerized 198 faults repair services. Call Centre with ‘1500 & 1501’ for Landline, 1502 for CDMA/WIMAX, 1503 for GSM Mobile services and 1504 for BB Services is fully functioning in Kerala. Call Centre for Mobile service is ‘9447024365’. On line Public Grievance Cell is also fully functioning in Kerala Circle SSA –wise & Circle - wise. District wise details of telephone network during 2014-15 is given in Appendix 5.53

 

5.162 The major achievements of BSNL as on 31.03.2015 are given in the Box 5.15

 

 

 

Section 5

 

Information Technology

 

 

5.163 Information and Communication Technology is one of the key sectors powering growth of the State economy. Government of Kerala acknowledges the critical importance of ICT in the economic progress of the State and thus revised the Information Technology Policy for the State in 2012. The vision of the State’s policy is to “plan, develop, and market the State as the most preferred IT/ITeS investment/business destination in India”. The State Government supports the sector by way of single window clearance, developing Kerala “IT Brand”, incentivising investment and making direct investment. Kerala Perspective Plan 2030 aims at developing State’s ICT sector on par with top countries in the world in terms of ICT development.

 

5.164 Export of registered IT / ITeS units in Software Technology Parks in India (STPI) grew by 8.67 percent during 2013-14 compared to previous year. In value terms, export of STPI registered units increased from ₹251497 crore in 2012-13 to ₹2,73,313 crore in 2013-14. The value of export of the sector from the State is estimated at ₹ 2665.12 crore during 2013-14 which is 0.96 percent of all India. Karnataka ranked first among Indian States by achieving an export value of ₹103720.16 crore (37.95%) during 2013-14 followed by Maharashtra with ₹55419.79 crore (20.48%), Andhra Pradesh with ₹36752.95 crore(13.45%) and Tamil Nadu ₹29880.20 crore (10.93%). Kerala ranks 8th in the export by STPI registered IT and ITeS units.

 

5.165 Kerala State Information Technology Mission (KSITM), Indian Institute for Information Technology and Management – Kerala (IIITM-K), Technopark, Infopark, Cyberpark, Kerala State Information Technology Infrastructure Ltd. (KSITIL), International Centre for Free and Open Source Software (ICFOSS) and Kerala Start-up Mission are the major agencies involved in the implementation of Information Technology programmes in the State under the Information Technology Department.

 

5.166 The State Government envisages expansion of IT industry in the State in a manner that benefits all the districts in the State. A hub and spoke model has been planned. Thiruvananthapuram (Techno Park), Kochi (Info Park) and Kozhikode (Cyber Park) will act as hubs and the remaining districts will be the spokes.

5.167 Government of Kerala has provided an amount of ₹374.57 crore during 2015-16, for the development of core IT infrastructure, ITeS, e-governance activities and incentivising investment in the sector, which is 19.54 percent higher than the previous year. The Plan outlay for Information Technology during 2014-15 was 34.72% higher than that in 2013-14. The details of Plan Outlay and Expenditure are given in Table 5.11 

 

Table 5.11

Plan Outlay and Expenditure

(₹ lakh)

Sl. No.	Agency	Annual Plan 2013-14		Annual Plan 2014-15		Annual Plan 2015-16
						Outlay
		Outlay	Expen diture	Outlay	Expen diture
1	KSITM	6853.00	3208.00	9192.00	5448.34	9706.00
2	IIITM-K & ICFOSS	1500.00	1374.00	1800.00	1725.00	2050.00
3	Technopark, Infopark and Cyberpark	12500.00	14212.00	13445.00	14892.32	13600.00
4	KSITIL	2405.00	1754.00	2600.00	0.00	4000.00
5	Knowledge City			1.00	0.00	1.00
6	Technology Innovation Zone			2500.00	1500.00	5000.00
7	Youth Entrepreneurship			1795.00	85.52	3000.00
8	Implementation of priority schemes under Kerala Perspective Plan 2030					100.00
	Total	23258.00	20548.00	31333.00	23651.18	37457.00

Source: State Planning Board

 

Kerala State Information Technology Mission (KSITM)

 

5.168 Kerala State Information Technology Mission (KSITM) is an autonomous nodal IT implementation agency of the Department of Information Technology, Government of Kerala which provides managerial and technical support to various initiatives of the Department, since 1999. KSITM performs diverse roles including e-governance and development of human resources, disseminating information across citizens and Government, interfacing between Government and industry, bridging digital divide, investor interactions and achieving speed and transparency in governance.

 

5.169 The major objectives of KSITM are interfacing between the Government and the industry, interacting with potential investors, strengthening the IT/ITeS industry base, holding promotional campaigns for hard selling the State, ICT dissemination to bridge the digital divide, e-governance, developing human resources for IT and ITeS and advising the Government on policy matters.

 

Source: KSITM

 

E-governance Programmes of KSITM

 

5.170 In the present world, E-governance is an important tool for good governance by achieving transparency, reliability, and accountability in rendering services. Kerala has been a frontrunner in e-governance and mobile governance by promoting and developing core infrastructure and e-literacy programmes.

 

5.171 E-governance initiatives under KSITM include e-office, Service plus, FRIENDS, Akshaya, SEMT, Citizen Call Centre, SPARK, e-procurement etc. E-Office aims to conduct office procedures electronically thereby transforming government offices to paperless offices and bringing out the benefits of digital communication. So far it has been implemented in Secretariat and in 21 departments either fully or partially. The Government has decided to roll out e-Office to Districts and Directorates.

 

5.172 Service Plus is a software designed and developed by NIC, under Department of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India. It is a generic metadata based frame work that can be used to configure and launch e-services quickly using its flexible workflow and provision for dynamic design of application forms.

 

5.173 Core infrastructure for e-governance in the State consists of Kerala State wide Area Net Work (KSWAN), Secretariat Wide area Net work, State Data Centre and State Service Delivery Gate way. KSWAN is backbone of the State Information Infrastructure (SII), connecting Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode, extending to 14 districts and 152 Blocks of the State. The network will also connect 1500 offices of Government Departments through wireless and a larger number through leased lines and LAN.

 

Source: KSITM

 

5.174 Akshaya was launched on 18th November 2002 to bridge the digital divide and it works on public private participation mode. In the initial stage the objective of the project was to make at least one person in a family e-literate. Gradually focus of Akshaya was shifted to citizen service centric mode. At present, 2418 Akshaya Centers functioning across the State give employment to 7254 persons. Selection of Akshaya entrepreneurs in 360 locations is in progress. The total turnover of Akshaya centres in the State was ₹34.31 crore in 2013-14 which increased to ₹38.57 crore in 2014-15. Total turnover of Akshaya Centers for 2015-16(as on September 2015) was ₹32.71 crores. Details of Akshaya are given in Appendix 5.54

 

Source: KSITM

 

Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management – Kerala (IIITM-K)

 

5.175 The Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management – Kerala was set up in 2000 as a premier institution of excellence in Science, Technology and Management. It emphasises quality education to students and develops professionals and leaders of high calibre of entrepreneurship and social responsibility. The institute focuses on education, research, development and training in applied information technology and management.

 

 

 

5.176 The MPhil and MSc degrees are awarded by Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) and post graduate diploma by Directorate of Technical Education, Government of Kerala. The major projects completed are biometric embedded system security and internet of embedded things, software engineering and software project management unit and library and information service. Construction of a full-fledged residential academic campus for IIITM-K as per UGC/AICTE norms is in progress.

 

Technopark

 

5.177 Electronics Technology Parks – Kerala, popularly known as Technopark was setup under the auspicious of Government of Kerala as an autonomous body to create global standard infrastructure and to provide total support required for development of high technology industries. It was formally dedicated to the nation on 18th November 1995. Since then Technopark has been growing steadily both in size and employees strength. With the development of Phase I, Phase II and Phase III Technopark will become one of the largest IT Parks in India with 334 acres of land, 7.2 million sq.ft built up area and 47,100 IT/ITeS professionals. Technopark through its companies currently provides direct employment to 47,100 IT employees and offers an indirect employment for another 1,65,000. Technopark has charted out an ambitious target of creating 56000 new jobs by 2020. Details of physical achievements and growth of Technopark are given in Appendix 5.55 and 5.56.

 

Source: Technopark

 

Growth of Built up Space in Technopark

 

5.178 The built up space in the Technopark has increased from 46.5 lakh sq.ft in 2010-11 to 60 lakh sq feet in 2011-12 , 71 lakh sq. ft in 2012-13, 72 lakh sq. ft. in 2013-14 and remained unchanged in 2014-15 as shown in Figure 5.15. 

 

Fig 5.15

Growth of Built-up Space in Technopark from 2010-11 to 2014-15

Source: Technopark

 

Companies in Technopark

 

5.179 There has been an increase in the number of the companies working in Technopark for the last five years. In 2010-11 there were 200 companies in Technopark. It increased to 265 in 2011-12, 285 in 2012-13, 336 in 2013-14 and to 355 in 2014-15. Gradual growth of number of companies in Technopark from 2010 to 2015 is exhibited in Figure 5.16

 

Fig 5.16

Growth of Companies in Technopark

Source: Technopark

 

Growth of Export from Technopark

 

5.180 The exports from Technopark decreased from ₹2500 Crore in 2010-11 to ₹2171 Crore in 2011-12 and then increased and reached ₹5100 Crore in 2014-15. It grew by 20 percent in 2014-15 as compared to 2013-14. The trend in export from Technopark during the last five years is depicted in Figure 5.17

 

Fig 5.17

Export from Technopark

Source: Technopark

 

Growth of Employment in Technopark

 

5.181 The growth of Technopark can also be analysed in terms of employment generated during the last five years. The employment generated increased from 30000 in 2010-11 to 47100 in 2014-15. The growth of employment generation for the last five years is shown in Figure 5.18

 

Fig 5.18

Growth of Employment in Technopark from 2010-11 to 2014-15

Source: Technopark

 

Infopark

 

5.182 Infopark, Kochi is the second largest IT hub in Kerala with spokes at Cherthala and Thrissur and spread over 321.86 acres of land and 5.8 million sq.ft built up area. At present, 237 companies are working in Infopark. It provides direct employment to 26500 professionals. As on March 2015, ₹2000 crores worth of investment has been made in the area. Export turnover of Infopark for the financial year 2014-15 was ₹3150 Cr.

At present Infopark has the following IT Parks

 

• Infopark Kochi – Phase I - It is spread over 100.86 acres of land with 83.22 acres in SEZ and 17.64 acre in non SEZ area and about 3.5 mn. sq.ft of built up IT space and associated auxiliary systems. The construction of nearly 10 million sq.ft is under progress. This includes 1.3 million sq.ft space nearly completed by TCS in 15.72 acres of land leased to them. At present 110 companies are working in Infopark Kochi .

• Infopark Kochi – Phase II – An extent of 125 acres has been acquired and is in the possession of Infopark. 102.7 acres of land are in SEZ area.

• Infopark, Thrissur - It is located at Koratty in an extent of 30 acres of land. 18.5 acres are in SEZ area. The first phase of development consisting of renovation of 8 buildings having a built up area of 45000 sq.ft and modifying them as IT buildings has been completed. 29 companies are working in Infopark Thrissur.

• Infopark, Cherthala – It is spread over 66 acres of land with 60 acres in SEZ area. Construction of 2.4 lakh sq.ft IT building at Infopark Cherthala SEZ has been fully completed along with basic infrastructure such as 110 KV substation, internal roads, sewage treatment plant, water storage tanks, boundary walls etc. There are 27 IT companies functioning in the park.

 

5.183 The physical achievements of Infopark are furnished in Appendix 5.57

 

Cyberpark

 

5.184 Cyberpark is established to bridge the IT infrastructure gap in the area from Kochi to Kasaragod along the west coast based on a hub and spoke model. The Cyberpark, Kozhikode acts as the hub and the parks in Kannur and Kasaragod are the spokes for the IT and infrastructure development of the northern region of the State. The purpose of Cyberpark is to provide a friendly, cost effective and top of the line infrastructure to the IT/ITeS investors.

 

5.185 Cyberpark is the largest IT park in the northern region of Kerala with 44.38 acres of land in Kozhikode, 25 acres in Kannur and 100 acres in Kasaragod. Out of this, 115 acres of land is in SEZ area and 14.38 acres in non SEZ area. Now 4 companies are working in the SEZ area which provides direct employment to 49 IT professionals. The physical achievements of Cyberpark are given in Appendix 5.58.

 

Kerala State Information Technology Infrastructure Ltd (KSITIL)

 

5.186 Kerala State Information Technology Infrastructure Limited (KSITIL) is the apex public limited company formed under the Government of Kerala IT Policy to provide the most robust, modern, environmental friendly and efficient IT Infrastructure adaptable to current needs.

 

5.187 The company leverages the valuable land assets owned by the Government and through viable financial models generates enough funds and utilizes the same for building up of IT Infrastructure in the State in a Public Private Participation model.

 

5.188 The business model for the company is to acquire land, create value addition to it providing basic infrastructure like electricity, water, road and compound wall, obtain SEZ status and such other Government approvals that may be required and then allot land to private developers for development of either IT SEZ or IT Parks.

 

5.189 Major projects implemented by KSITIL are Kozhikode IT Park, Kannur IT Park, Kasaragod IT Park, Kollam IT Park, Koratty IT Park, Cherthala IT Park, Infocity Pala, IIIT-Kerala, Malappuram IT Park and Technolodges. There are 131 companies working in these IT parks and gives direct employment to 1523 professionals.

 

International Centre for Free and Open Source Software (ICFOSS)

 

5.190 Government of Kerala established ICFOSS as an international centre in collaboration with Free Software Organisations in India and abroad to promote development and application of free software and free knowledge. It is a nodal agency in all matters relating to free and open source software including consultancy, research and development, academics, studies and service, training, publishing, certification, international co-operation and collaboration.

 

Source: ICFOSS

Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM)

 

5.191 Kerala Start up Mission (KSUM) formerly known as ‘Technopark Technology Business Incubator’ is India’s first successful Non Academic Business Incubator. It started operation during 2007.

 

5.192 The objective of the Mission is to identify and develop entrepreneurial talents among youth and students in Kerala, address the technology based entrepreneurship development requirements in the traditional sectors of Kerala, build appropriate training programmes suitable for Kerala’s socio-economic culture, identify market niche for technology products and services, interfacing and networking among academic, R&D institutions, industries and financial institutions, establishing a platform for speedy commercialization of the technologies developed in the institutes to reach the end-users.

 

5.193 Government of Kerala has introduced Youth Entrepreneurship Development Programme which includes key initiatives like Raspberry Pi Programme, Startup Box Campaign, Startup Boot camp, Start up Leadership Academy and Training programme, International Entrepreneurial Exchange Programme, FABLAB Programme, Entrepreneurship Driving Programme, Performance Linked Scheme and Patent Support Scheme. In addition to the above Government is creating a Technology Innovation Zone at KINFRA Hi Tech Park, Kalamassery with multiple sectors of incubators under a single umbrella.

 

 

 

 

Section 6

 

Sports Infrastructure

 

 

5.194 Universal appeal has led to sports gaining recognition as a simple, low-cost and effective medium for checking key developmental goals for children and youth. It can contribute significantly in promoting health, improving academic outcomes, fostering gender equity, enhancing social inclusion and promoting employment.

 

5.195 The role of Government is to create infrastructure and promote capacity building for broad-basing sports as well as for achieving excellence in various competitive events at the national and international levels. The schemes of the Department are geared towards achieving these objectives. Major institutions coming under the sector are Kerala State Sports Council, Kerala State Youth Welfare Board, Kerala State Bharat Scouts & Guides, Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, Directorate of Public Instruction and Directorate of Collegiate Education

 

5.196 The 35th National Games of India hosted by Kerala commenced on 31st January 2015 and continued till February 14th across seven districts in the State. It is the second time that Kerala is hosting the National Games after it hosted the 27th National Games in 1987. 33 sports disciplines were included in 35th National Games. The 15-day event competition was for a total of 405 gold medals, 406 silver medals and 523 bronze medals. The 35th National Games (Jan 31-Feb 14) which cost ₹611 crore was held at 30 venues across seven districts of the State.

 

 

Infrastructure Upgradation as part of 35th National Games

 

5.197 As a part of conducting 35th National Games an amount of ₹245.44 crore has been expended for new constructions such as Karyavattom Stadium, shooting range, squash court, tennis complex, Thiruvananthapuram etc. and an amount of ₹105.32 (renovation cost only) crore has been expended for renovation and construction of Jimmy George Indoor Stadium, CSN Stadium, University Stadium, LBS Stadium etc. The major infrastructure upgradation work as part of the 35th National Games are as follows

 

• • 4 Stadiums were awarded with International quality certification

a) Chandrasekharan Nair Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram (Synthetic Turf)

b) Kozhikode Medical College Stadium (Synthetic Turf)

c) Thrissur Corporation Stadium (Football Ground)

d) Kollam Hockey Stadium (Astro Turf)

• • Sports Equipment of international quality worth ₹30cr purchased for 35th National Games can be used for training of Sports Persons.

• • Security and fire safety equipment worth ₹ 3 crore have been allotted to Police and Fire Force after the Games.

• • A well-furnished Prefab Games Village was set up at Menamkulam. 405 prefab houses, 30 toilet service blocks, 1250 air conditioners 3000 cots, 1500 almirahs etc. used in the Games Village have been allotted to various Government and quasi Government departments after the games.

• •  ‘AMMU’ drama which was enacted across the state and ‘Run Kerala Run’ a massive run with participation of one third of the population of the State emerged as a grand success. Both the events have got certification from LIMCA BOOK OF RECORDS, the first as a National Record and the second as a World Record.

5.198 Major physical achievements of the 35th National Games are given in the Appendix 5.59

 

 

Developing multipurpose synthetic play spaces

 

5.199 Maintenance of playground and sports facilities was being done through various institutions through grants made available under the schemes. The grants involved facilitated only small improvements to existing sports facilities which has no significant impact on the overall development of quality play areas. Therefore the scheme has been reviewed by the Department and is modified to develop available grounds as play spaces ideally for multi-sport usage including volleyball, basketball, tennis and other games using modern synthetic surfaces. Government has taken measures for the development of multi-sport play spaces at identified locations to develop good quality play areas all over the State.

 

Medical Assistance

 

5.200 Rajiv Gandhi Sports Medicine Centre established in 1992 is a pioneering venture of Government of Kerala and is the only one of its kind in the State promoting excellence in sports by lending scientific and prompt medical assistance and rehabilitation therapy to sports persons. In the Financial Year 2014-15, an anti-doping programme was conducted to develop awareness among the sports persons, and summer coaching camps were conducted for the promotion of cycling and swimming. Combination therapy, laser therapy units, fitness equipment etc. were installed at the Rajiv Gandhi Sports Medicine Centre. ₹2 lakh has been sanctioned for establishing Health Club in Vanithavedi, Government Secretariat. An amount of ₹6 lakh has been spent for the implementation of the scheme “community outreach programme”to create awareness among people about the importance of sports and physical fitness.

 

 

 

 

Section 7

 

Project Structuring and Financing

 

5.201 Investment in infrastructure has been a matter of priority for the State government. The investment needs for the development of various infrastructure projects in the State is huge and the finance required is beyond the resources available with the Government. Infrastructure financing is therefore becoming difficult due to deficit in resources. In Kerala, capital outlay as a percentage of GSDP has shown an increasing trend since 2006-07.However, there is a widening gap between the trend in the State vis-à-vis All states capital outlay affecting adversely the GSDP growth of the State. As the resources required for infrastructure development cannot be met by public funds alone, alternate resources for financing infrastructure needs to be explored. Development of roads, ports and urban infrastructure projects are now increasingly being taken up on Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode. The Thiruvananthapuram City Road Improvement project on PPP (Annuity) mode, Vizhinjam project on DBFOT mode and Kariavattom Green Field Stadium on DBOT mode are some of the PPP projects in the State. Project structuring is crucial in attracting more funds from the private sector. Flow of private funds would depend on a conducive legal and administrative environment in the State.

 

5.202 In order to address the resource constraint in the infrastructure sector, the Project Financing Cell (PFC) was constituted in State Planning Board in 2012 to help in structuring the projects for attracting financial resources from private sector. The objective of PFC includes examining the possibility of extra budgetary resources, including Public Private Partnership for all projects of the State. PFC is also mandated to examine the technical as well as financial feasibility of all projects above an out lay of ₹5 Cr. Since its inception, PFC has been appraising project proposals and providing the structuring framework for investment mobilization from extra budgetary resources. Some of the proposals initiated by PFC to create an enabling environment for PPP in the State and to carry forward further projects in PPP mode include preparation of Draft Kerala Infrastructure Development Bill and Draft PPP policy, formation of PPP teams in Government Departments/Agencies and framing of Infrastructure Master Plan. PFC also provides information to Government regarding the new policy announcements and schemes to enable the departments to avail the assistance offered under various Central government programmes and policies.

 

Sensitization to Stakeholders

 

5.203 Project Financing Cell has been conducting several PPP sensitization programmes for district level officers and seminars on Extra Budgetary Resources for LSGIs. So far sixteen such programmes have been conducted in various districts. A seminar was arranged by PFC on Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) and Infrastructure Investment Trust (INVIT) for imparting knowledge on understanding the new SEBI guidelines for promoting investment in Kerala.

 

Development of Model Projects

 

5.204 Project Financing Cell has been undertaking development of model projects which can be taken up on PPP mode. Development of a Model Energy Efficient Village is one of them. The study has been conducted in Perumbalam Grama Panchayat in Alappuzha district in association with Energy Management Centre (EMC). The draft report has been submitted by EMC. Some of the other model projects intended to be developed by PFC include Ladies short stay hostel and Multi storied car parking facility in Medical Colleges.

 

Number of PPP projects in different States

 

5.205 A comparison of number of PPP projects in major States is shown below.

 

Table 5.12

Government Infrastructure Projects (PPP) as on 31/12/2015

Sl.No	State	Number of Projects *	Total project cost (in crores)
1.	Andhra Pradesh	72	31181.59
2.	Bihar	22	15416.32
3.	Chhattisgarh	10	12774.00
4.	Delhi(UT)	17	3809.48
5.	Gujarat	96	71328.02
6.	Haryana	25	35072.89
7.	Himachal Pradesh	39	14158.46
8.	Jammu&Kashmir	6	11434.02
9.	Karnataka	136	58097.00
10.	Kerala	33	16883.62
11.	Madhyapradesh	155	34359.89
12.	Maharashtra	193	85597.78
13.	Multi State/Centre	49	67997.63
14.	Odisha	32	26309.21
15.	Punjab	39	6489.50
16.	Rajasthan	87	17825.70
17.	Sikkim	23	5887.97
18.	Tamil Nadu	75	4037654
19.	Telangana	16	16372.09
20.	Uttar Pradesh	40	100214.53
21.	West Bengal	36	19690.01

Status: Projects which are under construction, completed, terminated or operational

Source: InfrastructureIndia.gov.in, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Government of India

 

 

 

 

Section 8

 

Housing

 

5.206 Kerala had formulated a policy of ‘Adequate and Affordable Housing for All’ by providing standardized housing services to Economically Weaker Sections(EWS), Low Income Group(LIG) and Middle Income Group MIG) categories by co-ordinating various activities to ensure high living standard, healthy environment and basic infrastructure development. The State aims to undertake the construction of 12 lakh houses by the end of 12th Plan period, of which around 60% is for weaker sections of the society.

 

5.207 The State Govt. has announced three new schemes to provide affordable housing for 1.75 lakh families and to fill the gap between demand and supply of houses in the State. One major focus of Kerala Budget 2015 is to ensure ‘Housing for All ‘and ₹482 crore has been provided for this. Following schemes are included in ‘Housing for All’.

 

1 Residential flats up to four floors will be constructed for the poor. District Housing Societies will be formed to take up bankable schemes for the purchase of land and raise funds from banks with Govt. guarantee.

2 An integrated bank loan linked scheme to build 75,000 houses for landless BPL & Low Income Group families. It will be implemented in collaboration with the leading banks of the State.

3 A special housing scheme of Govt to provide one house in each ward of every local body in the State. 22,000 houses will be constructed with 50% state share fund and 50%fund from local bodies.

 

5.208 ‘Total Housing Mission’ has been constituted as an initiative of State Planning Board for the Weaker, Marginalized and Vulnerable Sections for the effective implementations of various housing schemes so that the beneficiaries can identify the right scheme. It channelizes institutional finance from various sources to establish an alternate mode of operation of programmes on a large scale and to examine the possibilities of channelizing housing funds including loan, grant etc through Nationalized Banks and to provide houses to all housesless people. It includes an expert group to study the diverse aspects of the subject to formulate a project report of undertaking ‘Total Housing Mission’ in the State.

 

5.209 Meetings of the Expert Group were held, three sub groups were constituted and its two meetings were also convened. Various information/ secondary data on local body wise number of houseless and landless have been collected from the Directorate of Panchayats and Department of Urban Affairs. Compilation of data has almost been completed. Moreover, guidelines, pattern of funding, subsidy norms etc. of the various housing schemes have also been obtained through the implementing departments. In the wake of new technology options and inventions introduced in the housing sector in Kerala, this study will analyse the possibility of introducing low cost housing materials while constructing houses under different welfare schemes. Final report of the Expert Group is expected to be submitted in two months.

 

 

Agencies in Housing Sector

 

5.210 Several agencies which are implementing housing schemes in the state include Kerala State Housing Board, Kerala State Co-operative Housing Federation, Kerala State Development Corporation for SC/ST, SC/ST Development Departments, Rural Development Department including Kudumbashree etc. Non–governmental agencies such as COSTFORD and Habitat Technology group, Co-operative societies and Corporations such as Kerala State Co-operative Housing federation, Kerala Police Housing & Construction Corporation, etc have also helped in constructing houses. Several NGOs also have contributed significantly. Other Departments like Labour, Fisheries, Sainik Welfare, Urban Affairs, etc are also implementing various affordable housing schemes for poor labourers and Economically Weaker Sections. These agencies / departments have provided assistance to construct around 1,49,193 houses during the period from 2012-13 to 2015-16 up to 30/9/2015. A concerted and co-ordinated effort is needed among the various agencies engaged in the housing sector. Achievements under major housing schemes by different housing agencies in Kerala is given in Appendix 5.60 These agencies have implemented various schemes during 2014-15 as given in Box 5.27.

 

 

Source: Housing Commisisonerate, Thiruvananthapuram

 

Centrally Sponsored Schemes tapped by the State Government

 

5.211 The Government of India has targeted social housing as one of its focus areas and has given special attention to the needs of the slum dwellers and housing for the weaker sections. Inorder to stimulate housing and urban development in the country Government of India has come out with the following major policy initiatives.

 

• Working Women’s Hostels (WWH):- The Scheme that aims to provide safe and affordable accommodation for working women is being implemented by Kerala State Housing Board by availing 50% of construction cost as Central Govt Grant and 50% State Government share. Kerala State Housing Board has completed four projects at Muttom, Kakkanad,Gandhinagar and Pullazhy. Ongoing WWH projects are at NCC Nagar, Edapally, Chalakudy and Mulamkunnathukavu.

 

• Indira Awas Yojana (IAY):-IAY is implemented through Local Self Government Institutions to help rural BPL houseless families in the construction of houses and upgradation of existing ‘kutcha’ houses to ‘pucca’ houses.

 

• Housing Schemes under JNNURM:- The JNNURM was launched by the Central Government in 2005 with two sub missions Basic Services for Urban Poor (BSUP) and Integrated Housing and Slum Development Programme (IHSDP) for improving housing of Urban poor. The financing pattern of IHSDP is 80-20 by Central and State Governments. There are 53 IHSDP projects running in 45 cities/ towns of Kerala.

 

5.212 Interest rates on housing loan of different financial institutions is given in Appendix 5.62 and details of home loans by various banks is given in Appendix 5.63

 

 

 

Section 9

 

Information and Publicity

 

5.213 In Kerala, the Department of Information and Public Relations is the nodal department involved in effective dissemination of Government policies, programmes and achievements. The Department facilitates feedback from the public, and ensures a healthy relationship between the Government and the public by acting as a meaningful link between various stakeholders.

 

5.214 Two autonomous institutions, namely, Kerala Media Academy and Centre for Development of Imaging Technology (C-DIT), working under this Department, undertake the administrative, technical and promotional affairs of the public and private sector with the help of advanced technologies in the field of visual communication, journalism, etc. The details of the schemes and programmes undertaken by the Department are summarized below.

 

Sutharyakeralam

 

5.215 This flagship programme of the Department is a live weekly complaint redressal forum where the Hon’ble Chief Minister addresses the grievances of common people especially the poor.

 

Video Publicity

 

5.216 The Department releases video news clippings to various television and web channels from different offices. In 2014-15, the Department documented the sitting of the Fourteenth Finance Commission and Planning Board lecture series, distributed 4500 visual news to channels and website through clip mail service and prepared visuals for weekly production of ‘Priyakeralam’ television programme.

 

Production of Video Documentaries

 

5.217 This involves production and broadcasting of various video magazine programmes through electronic media. “Navakeralam” in Doordarshan, “Janapadham” radio programme in AIR, weekly video news magazine, “Priyakeralam” in Doordharsan, and “Ponnayiram” documentary as part of the 3rd anniversary of the Government were telecast in various channels.

 

Modernization of Tagore Theatre

 

5.218 The renovation and developmental activities of the Tagore Centenary Hall, Vazhuthacaud, Thiruvananthapuram into a multipurpose cultural centre for facilitating various cultural and entertainment activities was completed and opened to public.

 

Interstate Public Relations

 

5.219 Conducting special press conferences of Chief Ministers and other media related public relations activities in metro cities to highlight the developmental activities of States comes under interstate public relations activities of the Department. A trade fare showcasing Kerala culture and products was conducted at Mumbai in March, 2015.

 

Special PR Campaigns

 

5.220 Special PR campaigns for popularizing Government initiatives and programmes in the rural areas of the State were undertaken as follows.

 

• Conducted State level inauguration of 1000 days celebration of the Government in Thiruvananthapuram.

• Conducted Nehru’s 125th birth anniversary celebration in all districts.

• Malayalam day celebration organized with various programmes.

• Produced and telecast a documentary on the developments in the health sector in connection with inauguration of Idukki Medical College.

 

 

Video Wall Network

 

5.221 LED display boards (video walls) were erected at Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam, Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikkode and Kannur district headquarters for disseminating information on developmental and welfare programmes of the Government.

 

Kerala Art and Cultural Centre at New Delhi

 

5.222 Kerala art and cultural centre at New Delhi was set up to propagate the rich tradition of the art, culture and literature of the state. As part of this, a fiesta of different arts from Kerala was conducted at Kerala House premises in New Delhi in March, 2015.

 

Integrated Development News Grid

 

5.223 For the timely dissemination of local level development news, a separate news portal was set up under the News Grid project. In 2014-15, the portal was redesigned by adding new tools of communication.

 

Media Academy

 

5.224 Kerala Media Academy is an institution under Government of Kerala to conduct media related courses. Documentary shooting of Victers channel of the Department of Education which was started in Kozhikkode, Malappuram and Kannur districts was a major achievement.

 

Centre for Development of Imaging Technology (C-DIT)

 

5.225 C-DIT established in 1988 is an autonomous research and training institute in the area of imaging technology. Following are the achievements of C-DIT in 2014-15.

 

• 2000 technicians in the State were provided training as part of technician training programme on solar photovoltaic systems.

• Developed nearly 2000 learning objects which will be accessible to students in computers, tablets and smart phones in connection with ICT enabled education.

• Played key role in the 3rd phase of Hon’ble Chief Minister’s Mass Contact Programme.

 

Outlook

 

Infrastructure development has been recognized as a critical factor for the effective functioning of the economy. Recognizing the importance of infrastructure, the State has during the last four years given a thrust to specialized major projects like the Kochi Metro, Vizhinjam Port and Kannur Air Port. These projects are expected to bring about major transformation in the State economy. Further to ensure smooth progress of projects the Government has earmarked a lump sum amount for infrastructure development projects. This will ensure that projects which are progressing are not constrained by lack of funds. Though a push has been given to promote infrastructure growth, challenges persist in terms of the emerging infrastructure and urban infrastructure in the State. To cater to the growing urban population adequate facilities in terms of water supply, drainage, sanitations and waste management needs to be provided. A holistic approach is required and a Kerala State Spatial Strategy needs to be framed within the overall perspective of KPP 2030. Similarly, improving the power scenario in the State is imperative. The State needs to explore the full potential of Hydro Electric generation and Renewable Energy. Adequate focus also needs to be given on using energy efficient lighting. Feasibility of innovative approaches like floating solar power plants may be explored. ICT is one of the main pillars of Knowledge based Economy. The Government has been promoting increasing use of ICT across all sectors. The State needs to focus on improving its e-readiness and making its e-Governance process more inclusive. To improve the infrastructure in the State more efforts are required to attract Private Sector participation. A conducive framework needs to be evolved in the State.

 

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