Kottayam Port and Container Terminal, India’s inaugural inland container depot (ICD), is pursuing the development of inland water connectivity with Vizhinjam Port to enhance cargo transshipment. This proposal has garnered favorable feedback from the Kerala government, and preliminary discussions with the Customs Commissioner indicate the potential movement of at least 30 TEUs daily to Vizhinjam.
General Manager KM Roopesh Babu emphasized the need for dredging to establish a cargo route via Thrikkunnapuzha and the Thottappally Spillway. A recent market survey suggests cargo movement could rise by approximately 2,000 TEUs monthly, aligning with the transshipment demands of exporters from Central Travancore.
Kottayam Port is positioning itself as a crucial point for local exporters to complete customs clearance before forwarding cargo to Vizhinjam, which may alleviate congestion at the main port. This inland waterway route is expected to mitigate highway traffic, ensuring timely cargo delivery, according to Babu.
The port’s expansion includes a ₹4 crore reach stacker unit on its way from Beypore, and it has already shifted over 25,000 TEUs since its inception in 2012. A UK-based firm has shown interest in investing ₹20 crore for three-phase development, which will enhance infrastructure and equipment.
Share it now
