Ponnani port to house Kerala’s second-largest shipyard; ₹1,200-crore PPP project to create 1,000 jobs in Malabar regional hub.
On 18 January 2026, authorities confirmed that the tender process for a major shipbuilding facility at Ponnani port had concluded. This development, managed by the Kerala Maritime Board, is set to establish the second-largest shipyard in the state, following the existing site in Kochi. The project covers 29 acres on the western side of the fishing harbour and is expected to revitalise industrial activity across the Malabar region.
The initiative will be delivered in two distinct stages, with a formal contract expected to be finalised by 1 February 2026:
- Phase 1: An initial outlay of ₹200 crore will focus on constructing smaller vessels. This stage involves building a new wharf at the estuary, situated near the breakwater and the old junker jetty.
- Phase 2: A long-term expansion involving ₹1,000 crore is planned over the next seven to ten years to enable the production of large-scale ships.
Beyond ship construction, the site will include a specialised training academy to develop local maritime expertise. Cargo-handling services are also scheduled to commence once the yard is operational. To accommodate the new infrastructure, existing fish-drying operations are being moved to the eastern side of the harbour following a decision made during a meeting on 18 January 2026.
The project is estimated to create approximately 1,000 jobs, providing a substantial boost to the regional economy and advancing the state’s maritime infrastructure goals.
SOURCE – PTI
