The Kerala Maritime Board (KMB) has come up with a series of major development proposals aimed at unleashing the tourism potential of its underutilized properties along the Kozhikode beach.
The projects, which are to be implemented mainly through public-private partnership (PPP) models, are expected to generate additional revenue for both the board and the state government by boosting marine tourism and infrastructure.
Among the many beachfront projects, a key proposal involves developing 2.5 acres of prime South Beach land as a multimodal transit yard with parking facilities for at least 150 vehicles. The aim of the proposal is to create a tourist-oriented destination that combines hospitality, recreation and commercial facilities. Other planned facilities include sales kiosks, a children’s corner and a gym.
The North Beach Beach Recreation and Recreation Point comes as the second proposal, using approximately 30 cents of prime land. Although it was previously allocated for the operation of a children’s park, KMB now plans to earmark this property for larger projects that can attract more tourists.
Another major initiative is the construction of an iconic lighthouse near the beach. According to KMB officials, the 49-foot-tall lighthouse, which was built in 1902 on 25-cent land, continues to be a major tourist attraction. Although public access is restricted, the structure continues to be a visual landmark for tourists. They add that the new development project is designed to improve the visitor experience around the lighthouse without jeopardizing its historic value.
The government is also considering a proposed proposal for the construction of a harbor bungalow area with modern facilities such as a congress center, a premium restaurant and a museum. Almost one acre surrounding this prime oceanfront property will be utilized for the project. According to official sources, the bidding process may be completed soon after getting the final approval.
The development projects have been proposed after conducting a study on the tourist reach of Kozhikode beach and the possibilities of exploring it for sustainable revenue growth. According to the study, the beach attracts between 6,000 and 10,000 visitors on weekdays, with attendance rising significantly during major events such as the Kerala Literature Festival, when attendance reaches close to five million. Statistics from the tourism department also support KMB businesses as the number of foreign tourists is around 15,000 per year.
Published – 21 Jan 2026 20:36 IST
