KIIFB's transformative touch: Infrastructure, education, and healthcare thrive across Kerala constituencies

Kerala is poised to become the first state in India to introduce an Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy, a concept born from the Generative AI Conclave held in December. Industries Minister P. Rajeev announced that the draft AI policy is nearly finalised and will be unveiled within a month. He highlighted the state's efforts to build infrastructure for industries utilising advanced technologies with support from KIIFB.

The minister noted that Kerala may have been the first state globally to organise a Generative AI Conclave. He emphasised the increasing influence of AI across diverse sectors, from stock markets to agriculture, which prompted the government to create a comprehensive AI policy.

Kerala is making significant strides in the AI sector, attracting new companies and providing robust infrastructure. Beyond AI, Palakkad Smart City—part of the Kochi-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor—offers cutting-edge facilities for technologies like robotics, big data analysis, and machine learning, also supported by KIIFB. The Industries Department is preparing for the first allotment in campus industrial parks, enabling students to secure jobs alongside their education.

KIIFB funds have been utilised for land acquisition related to National Highway development, as well as various projects in Central Kerala, such as the Seaport, Airport Road Development, Kochi Cancer Center, and Medical College. Additionally, KIIFB played a pivotal role in Vizhinjam Port and airport infrastructure projects. Minister Rajeev stated that discussions are underway regarding KIIFB's contributions to industrial infrastructure development.

Shri. P. Rajeev, Minister for Law, Industries and Coir

The state previously approved a logistics policy, with the Logistics Park emerging as a sector with high investment potential at the Invest Summit. Renowned global logistics companies are set to commence operations in Kerala. Minister Rajeev underscored KIIFB's transformative impact on Kerala, enhancing the industrial sector and addressing foundational issues faced by the populace.

Minister P. Prasad emphasised that Agri Parks have the potential to significantly boost Kerala's agricultural sector. Of the five planned Agri Parks, one has been completed, and efforts are underway to bring the remaining ones to fruition. These parks aim to provide enhanced support to agriculture, fostering growth and innovation.

Shri. P. Prasad, Minister for Agriculture

The Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) has been instrumental in driving infrastructure development in the agricultural sector, including funding for Agri Parks. KIIFB, a remarkable institution established by Kerala, has enabled unprecedented achievements in infrastructure development in recent years, unmatched by any other state. This period marks the highest investment in infrastructure since Kerala's formation.

Over the past seven years, KIIFB has supported development projects worth over ₹80,000 crore across Kerala, including roads, hospitals, and schools. Hospitals now boast modern buildings and facilities, while schools have been upgraded with new structures and smart classrooms. As KIIFB celebrates its 25th year, it continues to advance with renewed vigor.

Cherthala, the minister's constituency, has also witnessed significant progress. Development projects worth over ₹155 crore have been realized in Cherthala during this period, thanks to KIIFB funding. Notable initiatives include the allocation of ₹10 crore for the construction of the Muttom Bazaar Ettupurakkal road, which features the historically significant Vayalar Bridge. Cherthala is home to approximately 150 schools, some over a century old, and KIIFB has supported the construction of modern classrooms and buildings for these institutions.

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