Kochi: Country’s first Marina opened
KOCHI: Opening up a new gateway for adventure tourists, Defence Minister A K Antony opened the Kochi International Marina here on Saturday.
The marina, the first of its kind in the country – and, in the public sector at that – is set up at Bolghatty Island by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC).
Delivering the inaugural address, Antony said Kerala should provide the best infrastructure to retain its supremacy in the tourism sector.
“Good roads and effective waste management can play a key role in attracting tourists to the state. The Kochi Marina is a commendable step towards providing better amenities to adventure tourists,” Antony said. He said the situation prevailing in the national capital was favourable for Kerala. “Apart form ministers, there are many efficient people holding key posts in almost all ministries. The state should make use of this situation, and I assure everything possible to help the state,” Antony said. Antony said he kept away from the State Government functions not because of any political stand-off.
“I have been keeping away from all functions. At present, I attend functions which the protocol demands,” Antony said.
Tourism Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, who presided over the function, said the KTDC had initiated a number of new projects, including resorts at Muzhappilangad and Bekal, and a Kerala House in Chennai. He said the KTDC had become a profit-making organisation.
A three-storey Marina House and berths for 34 yachts are the major features of the marina. The berthing facility will be enhanced to 50 later. The marina was constructed by Sharjah-based Gulf Marinas on a project prepared by the Kerala Industrial and Technical Consultancy Organisation (KITCO).
The marina will be managed by the private company, Ocean Blue, on a three-year contract. However, the Marina House will be under the direct control of the KTDC.
The marina was set up at a cost of Rs 8.21 crore with a central assistance of Rs 4 crore.
Union Minister of State for Agriculture K V Thomas, P Rajeev MP, MLAs V K Ibrahim Kunju, M K Purushothaman and Dominic Presentation, Kerala Tourism Secretary V Venu, Cochin Port Trust chairman N Ramachandran, Tourism Ministrym Principal Secretary E K Bharat Bhushan and KTDC MD K G Mohanlal were present.
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