T’puram: Transport minister C P John and Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor held discussions on expediting key development projects in the capital district, including an income tax exemption for KSRTC, utilisation of Sagarmala funds for Vizhinjam port and rehabilitation of project-affected families.The meeting on Tuesday focused on issues requiring urgent intervention by the state govt and demands that need to be taken up with the Centre. It was decided to pursue various proposals through govt and the MP to accelerate development initiatives in the district.The state govt will take steps to secure central funds through the city corporation and submit proposals under Urban Challenge Fund. Acquisition of the remaining 22 acres required for the development of Thiruvananthapuram airport, resolution of issues related to the state’s mining corridor and rejuvenation of Akkulam Lake were also discussed.Other projects reviewed included the introduction of green fuel bunkering facilities at ports in Thiruvananthapuram, establishment of multimodal logistics parks, and construction of the Melarannoor flyover in coordination with the railways.The meeting also identified several demands to be raised with the Centre through Tharoor. These include an income tax exemption for KSRTC and the possibility of extending assistance to the transport corporation through the MP Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS).Central assistance for measures to prevent coastal erosion and projects to modernise the city’s drainage network will also be sought. The MP has been tasked with taking up the proposal to increase the storage capacity of Peppara dam with the Union environment ministry for the necessary clearance.Other issues to be brought to the Centre’s attention include central funding for National Waterway, development of Valiyathura port and the possibility of establishing a Tata hospital using corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds. District collector K S Anju also attended the meeting.
