After Vizhinjam, Kerala govt now looks to improve minor ports
T'puram: With the inauguration of
Vizhinjam International Seaport
, the state govt has started work to improve and connect the waterways and the minor ports in the state, including Kollam, to move cargo from the port.
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When the
logistics park
at the Vizhinjam port is established, cargo that arrives in containers from abroad will be packed and sent by road, rail, and also by sea to the smaller ports. All options for connectivity to interior parts of the state are being explored.
The govt is now trying to improve 17 ports, including Ponnani and Kollam, in the coming months. Kerala Maritime Board has forwarded a proposal to the Union ministry of ports, shipping and waterways for the construction of a multi-purpose berth (MPB) at Ponnani at a total cost of Rs 20 crore for partial assistance under the central govt's Sagarmala scheme.
Keeping in view the importance of regional connectivity, cruise tourism potential, and economic growth, the govt of Kerala has informed that they are exploring the scope to develop the Ponnani port on a PPP (public-private partnership) model, said a statement from the Union govt.
They have called an expression of interest (EoI) from private service providers to begin cruise shipping which will connect various non-major ports as well as ports of neighbouring states.
Ports minister VN Vasavan said that the govt is exploring all kinds of opportunities to ensure that cargo can be moved from Vizhinjam to other ports via sea, road, or rail. He said that PPP model or funding under the Sagarmala program will be explored to develop the ports.
The state govt is also looking at opportunities to improve the waterways from Thiruvananthapuram to the northern parts of the state so that the cargo repackaged from logistics parks at Vizhinjam can be moved to other parts of the state via water, in addition to rail and road.
With the expected arrival of a high volume of container ships at Vizhinjam, the govt is looking to encourage cruise tourism at other ports.
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