The Muziris Heritage Project (MHP) will be made an international heritage tourism destination, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan said on Sunday as he launched the services of water taxis and kayaks in the region as part of the project.

The Chief Minister said the services would be expanded to other regions also. He said the government was planning to expand the services to Ezhikkara, Kottappuram and Azheekode. Regions including Kodungalloor, Azheekode, Kaipamangalam and Vypeen would be connected with the project, he said.

“The Chavittunatakam centre of Gothuruth and restaurants serving traditional cuisine will be developed further as part of the heritage project. New museums and water sports facilities will be launched. New star hotels and restaurants will also be brought to Paravur, Kodungalloor and neighbouring areas for tourists. Public participation will be ensured in the project to generate more job opportunities and promote local businesses,” Mr. Satheesan said.

Tourism Minister P.C. Vishnunadh, who chaired the meeting, said the MHP would be made a global model in tourism. He said the boating services, which had been suspended, were revived in a time-bound manner as part of the government’s 100-day programmes.

Earlier, addressing a meeting in North Paravur, the Chief Minister said his government was aiming to make the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation a professional entity with advanced facilities. He was inaugurating seven new KSRTC services from North Paravur to different routes and a new bus bay.

The Chief Minister said three people had already donated ₹40 lakh each to buy new buses for the KSRTC and more people had expressed interest in doing so. Thirty-three MLAs had also granted permission to buy buses using their development funds. “The government is committed to improving public transport facilities,” he added.

He said the KSRTC was set to roll out new inter-State services to destinations including Palani, Madurai and Velankanni.