From Water Metro to Scientific Innovation: Tour enhances understanding of national development initiatives, research ecosystems and inter-regional collaboration
7th February, 2026, Srinagar :The Press Information Bureau (PIB), Srinagar, concluded a five-day media tour to Kerala for journalists from Srinagar, held from February 2 to February 6, 2026. The tour was organised as part of PIB’s media outreach programme to provide regional journalists firsthand exposure to key Central Government institutions, flagship infrastructure projects, research establishments and governance processes.
The 14-member media delegation began the tour at Kochi with a visit to Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL), where they were briefed on the Kochi Water Metro Project, India’s pioneering water-based urban transport system. Officials highlighted its climate-resilient design, operational framework and role in promoting sustainable and inclusive urban mobility.
The delegation visited Kottayam and interacted with senior officials and scientists at the National Institute for Rubber Training (NIRT) and the Rubber Research Institute of India (RRII), functioning under the Rubber Board. The delegation was apprised of Government of India initiatives aimed at strengthening rubber production, sustainable natural rubber practices, scientific breeding programmes, value addition and efforts towards self-sufficiency in the sector.
A key highlight of the tour was the interactive meeting with the Governor of Kerala, during which the media delegation held detailed discussions on governance, development priorities and the role of media in strengthening cultural engagement. The interaction provided the visiting journalists valuable insights into governance perspectives and inter-regional engagement.
As part of the tour, the delegation also visited the Press Information Bureau office at Thiruvananthapuram and interacted with Shri V. Palanichamy, Additional Director General, PIB Kerala. The delegation was briefed on upcoming engagements during the tour and encouraged to carry back impactful stories for wider public dissemination.
Subsequently, the delegation visited the ICAR–Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (ICAR-CTCRI), Thiruvananthapuram, where scientists briefed them on research in tropical tuber crops, climate-smart agriculture, value chain improvement and technology transfer for enhancing farmers’ livelihoods. The visit to ICAR–Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI), Vizhinjam Regional Centre, provided insights into advanced marine fisheries research, hatcheries and sustainable aquaculture technologies.
The journalists also visited the Vizhinjam International Transshipment Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport, India’s first major deep-water container transshipment hub, where officials highlighted its strategic importance in strengthening India’s maritime trade and logistics infrastructure.
On the final day, the delegation visited CSIR–National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST), Thiruvananthapuram. Scientists showcased interdisciplinary research initiatives spanning advanced materials, biosciences, sustainable technologies, clean energy, healthcare innovations and technology transfer to industry and startups, underscoring the role of science in addressing societal challenges.
The five-day press tour to Kerala was led by Shri Majid Pandit, Media & Communication Officer, PIB Srinagar, who served as the Conducting Officer. The successful organisation of the tour was made possible through the close coordination and support of PIB Kerala.
The tour provided the participating journalists a comprehensive understanding of national development initiatives, scientific research ecosystems and governance practices, reinforcing PIB’s objective of fostering informed, accurate and impactful media engagement across regions.
