Thiruvananthapuram’s picturesque Shangumughom Beach is buzzing with activity as it prepares for a significant makeover. This revitalization project comes just in time for the much-anticipated Navy Day celebrations, reportedly slated to take place in the city this year.
The Kerala State government has already given the green light for urgent renovation work at Shangumughom Beach, the chosen venue for the prestigious December 4th event. Speculation is rife that Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself is expected to grace the occasion as the chief guest.
To facilitate this grand transformation, the Water Resources Department has approved an extensive ₹14 crore plan. This ‘Emergency retrofitting and temporary protection works’ includes both aesthetic enhancements and crucial structural protections for the beach, all driven by the anticipated VIP visit.
The proposal for these vital upgrades was originally put forward by the Superintending Engineer (South Circle) of the Irrigation Department, following a directive from the Chief Secretary during a review meeting held in July.
Navy Day, observed annually on December 4th, holds deep historical significance. It commemorates ‘Operation Trident,’ a daring naval assault on Karachi harbor during the 1971 Indo-Pak War. A key highlight of these celebrations is always an impressive operational demonstration, a spectacular showcase of the Indian Navy’s formidable maritime capabilities and rich heritage.
While excitement builds, official confirmations regarding the 2025 Navy Day celebrations and the Prime Minister’s attendance are still pending.
Should the event proceed as planned in Thiruvananthapuram, it will mark only the third time Navy Day has been celebrated away from a primary naval base. Previously, in 2023, the event took place at Tarkarli beach in Sindhudurg, Maharashtra, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the chief guest. In 2024, President Droupadi Murmu presided over the celebrations at the beautiful Blue Flag Beach in Puri, Odisha.