Multi-purpose transit yard still remains paper dream in Kozhikode

The proposed multi-purpose transit yard at Kozhikode North Beach, envisioned as a major solution to the city’s parking problems and a boost to tourism infrastructure, continues to remain unimplemented despite several official initiatives and tendering procedures. Nearly five years after the project was conceived, the proposed parking facilities, promenade and tourism amenities are yet to become a reality.

The Kerala Maritime Board (KMB) had proposed developing approximately 2.5 acres of beachfront property between the old signal station and Vellayil breakwater under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. The project envisaged parking space for around 200 cars and 50 two-wheelers, besides a landscaped promenade, rental kiosks and facilities for water-based tourism activities.

The initiative was originally conceived in 2021, based on a project blueprint as part of efforts to make Kozhikode more parking-friendly. Initially planned as a joint venture between KMB and the Kozhikode Municipal Corporation, the proposal later became a KMB-led initiative after the Corporation reportedly withdrew, citing technical reasons.

KMB invited Expressions of Interest (EoI) in October 2024, fixing December 16, 2024, as the submission deadline. The process subsequently advanced to the Request for Proposal (RFP) stage in August 2025, with financial bids opened in December 2025. However, there has been no publicly confirmed commencement of construction or opening of the facility.

The project has been facing strong opposition from sections of the coastal community, with the Thodiyil Beach Samrakshana Samiti spearheading protests against the proposed development. Residents’ complaint was that converting the beachfront into a parking and tourism facility would adversely affect traditional fishing-related activities. They were particularly concerned about the possible closure of existing waiting shelters and the loss of spaces used by fishermen for their daily activities.

The Samiti had erected protest boards at the project site explaining its objections and demanding that KMB withdraw the proposal. Its members had also expressed apprehension that the proposed kiosks, promenade and water-tourism activities could disturb the natural ambience of the beach and affect religious rituals conducted in the area. They had questioned the project’s environmental feasibility and whether the development would secure the necessary clearances from the Kerala Coastal Zone Management Authority.

According to Revenue department sources, the continuing opposition is reportedly emerging as a major challenge to the project’s implementation, with concerns over community acceptance and coastal regulations adding to the uncertainty. Although KMB had proceeded with the investor selection process, the absence of visible construction activity had raised questions about how the objections would be addressed, they said. 

Traffic police officers who were earlier associated with the project planning said it was to ease traffic congestion along the beach, particularly during weekends and major public events. However, its implementation remained uncertain amid the continuing dispute between the project proponents and a section of local residents, they said.