In an effort to give wings to the ambitious ‘Air Kerala’ project, the proposal of which was revived by the Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) director board recently, a special NRK meet will be held on Friday, at the ‘Emerging Kerala’ summit.
The idea of starting an exclusive NRK Bank, comprising of those who are mainly based in the Gulf, and an NRI University will also come up for discussion at the NRK meet. M A Yusuffali, Managing Director, EMKE Lulu Group and director of Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry, said that already NRKs from US, UK and Gulf countries have expressed their willingness to be part of the project.
The CIAL director board meeting held last Saturday had revived the proposal to commence an independent airline and entrusted its managing director VJ Kurian to submit a feasibility report in four months.
“Air Kerala, the proposed airline, would commence operations in association with the Kerala government and would have a preliminary capital base of Rs 200 crore which would be mobilised issuing shares to the NRKs,” said Yusaffali.
He said that Air Kerala project is the only permanent solution to address the travel issues of Keralites abroad especially those from the Gulf countries.
“Chief Minister is the chairman of the project and approval from Central Government is necessary to realise it. The State Government should take the initiative to get the necessary approval,” he sad. Yusuffali, also said that he has planned a total investment of Rs 4000 crore in Kerala, thereby becoming one of the biggest investors in the state.
“ Lulu Shopping Mall at Edappally is at its final stages now and we are planning to open it by the end of this year. Lulu International Shopping Mall is going to be Asia’s largest shopping wonder.
“The project, which has a total investment of Rs 1600 crore envisages direct job opportunities to 8000 people and indirect employment to more than 20000 people. A convention centre, which will be India’s biggest is coming up in Bolgatty. A logistics centre will also come up at Nedumbassery,” he said.