The gates of TRV opened on 18 August. However, the current state of EXIM operations at TRV leaves locals wondering why the gates were opened at all. The truth is that many foresaw this crisis. During the ten years of construction, successive Kerala governments completely neglected land-side development, failing to provide the necessary support for a port. The final phase of the port’s construction took place over the last five years. During this time, not only was there no activity aimed at industrial and export goals, but there were even anti-national activities where potential investors were discouraged or lured away due to other local interests. TRV is suffering the consequences today.
To understand this, one must know what other steps need to be implemented from the moment a port is conceived. A recent decision by DP World in Dubai serves as a useful example.
The full story is in this week’s subscriber edition.