Pathanamthitta, Oct. 16, 2019: The Thiruvalla-based Central Travancore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CTCCI) has proposed a sustainable model of development for tier-II and tier-III towns in the Central Travncore region spread. The proposal is against the backdrop of the government decision to set up the proposed Sabari International Greenfield Airport at Erumeli in Kottayam district.

Talking to The Hindu, CTCCI president Fr. Abraham Mulamoottil of Syro Malankara Catholic Church, who was instrumental in setting up the State’s first private self-financing professional college in Thiruvalla, explained the proposals for tapping the development potential of the region.

According to him, there is a growing enthusiasm among the non-resident Indians (NRI) and non-resident Keralites (NRK), to invest in the economy of their country of origin.

Fr. Mulamoottil has coined a new phrase for this phenomenon — ‘Nostalgia Economy’ — which has already contributed a lot for transforming Kerala as an investment destination.

Feasibility report
The Kerala government, through a Government Order on September 24, 2017, has asked the infrastructure consultants, Louis Berger Group, to prepare a detailed feasibility report on the proposed ₹2,500-crore Sabari Airport project.

Fr. Mulamoottil said the proposed fifth international airport in the State would be of great help in boosting the region’s development.

20 towns
Development of 20 towns, instead of centralising projects in and around the proposed airport area, a decentralised rural development plan should be prepared by setting up different centres for diverse businesses in 20 prominent towns in the region, said Fr. Mulamoottil.

Thiruvalla, Changanassery, Kottayam, Pala, Eerattupettah, Wagamon, Kuttikkanam, Mundakkayam, Kanjirappally, Pathanamthitta, Ranni, Konni, Adoor, Pandalam, Chengannur, Kumarakom, Mavelikara, Ambalappuzha, Haripad, and Alappuzha are the 20 towns proposed by CTCCI for development.

Sky Bus project
He said tier-II towns are best suited for the double-decker buses that travel on pillars and the authorities could think of introducing such a project interlinking the 20 towns.

Fr. Mulamoottil also proposed a ‘sea-to-sky elevated rapid transport tram system’ linking the high lands with the coastal town of Alappuzha.

Fr. Mulamoottil said the CTCCI, in association with the Kerala Start-Up Mission, will be hosting a Sabari Investors Meet-2020 next July, showcasing proposals on various sustainable development models best suited for the region.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/chamber-moots-development-model-linking-20-towns/article29674848.ece