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| Vizhinjam Port View |
Pic source: Azim Rashid ( Flickr)
The good news at-last for Trivandrum. After, long long years of delay, deliberations and red-tape, Vizhijam harbor project is on the start mode. Finally, we see a harbor project coming to ligh with the agreement by Government of Kerala and Adani Group. While, politicians in Kerala still argue about the feasibility of the project, I hope this one will benefit in some way to the people, providing employment, and cash to this beleaguered state.
When I say beleaguered state, I mean this – just have a look at our empty coffers. The only money which flows are the money from spirits. One is the holy spirit and other the real spirit. Of course, NRI remittance to Kerala is a big blessing. .
Apart from it, the Industry wise sector contribution is not sufficient to sustain an overall development. So, let’s look for this new harbor project to see if we can make money or prosper out of it.
#1 Invest in land and property
It’s an obvious way to make money. I’ve heard how politicians rich beaurocrats bought big tracks of land around Bangalore International airport. The moment the news of such a plan became public, moneyed guys and opportunistic fellas invested in key areas in places around yelanka, and North Bangalore. On the same lines, you too can invest in property. But, the problem for most of us is the shortage of cash. If you have some gold reserves, you can sell a portion of it and invest in land which can appreciate in few years.
#2 Research on what all business thrive around harbors
Do your homework to know the kind of businesses that will thrive in a harbor area. For more ideas, you visit Cochin port, or other ports in India like Bombay, or Calcutta Port. These visits and your interaction with people associated with this place will get a first hand idea about it. While you are in the research mode, you can collect all the information related it it. Later you can create a booklet or make a guide for people who are hunting for business opportunities.
#3 Manpower Sourcing Agency
When a port starts functioning there would be a need for workers, technicians, engineers etc with specialized skills. Can you start collecting data of similar profiles. It could be handy when companies look for recruits.
#4) Start a North Indian Restaurant
I’m sure most of the workers and skilled people will come from Hindi speaking part of our country. These people will find our boiled rice, a big no. Given a choice, they would love to start have rotis and sabji kid of food. What about starting a North Indian food chain. Or a better idea could be a dabba. Get trained punjabi men and women to work for you and make hot roti, tandoor chicken, etc. What about Tandoor beef for mallus. Just an idea for beef eating mallus.
#5) Start Homestay
Convert your spare room or create separate hall on the terrace to make a dormitory style accommodation for people visiting Vizhijam for employment.
6) Freight Transit and Employment Opportunities
All the container ships docking in Vizhijam harbor will require some kind of manual or technical assistance from people. From minor repairing to major maritime related work will be done in this dock. Also, the dry 7) docks will employ thousands of laborers and technical crew.
7) Start a Logistics Course
I heard from a young chap that many young people are doing logistics courses in the hope of securing a job in middle-east and in Singapore. And, later I found that most of the openings abroad are for folks with experience. But, with a port coming in our city, there will be demand for people with these skill sets. If you’re already running a logistics institute then you can cash in the demand for such courses.
Here’s one such institute which came in google search – Indian Institute of Logistics
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