Gateway cargo at Vizhinjam port likely only by Dec 2025
Thiruvananthapuram: Gateway cargo operations at Vizhinjam International Seaport are now likely to begin only by Dec 2025 or January 2026, with temporary road access to NH-66 still under construction.
According to Divya S Iyer, managing director of Vizhinjam International Seaport Ltd (VISL), preparations are underway for a phased rollout of export-import (exim) cargo operations to coincide with the port's first full year of commercial activity. "We're planning to initiate exim cargo traffic around Dec this year," Iyer said. "The rollout will be gradual to match infrastructure readiness. Cargo movement will increase steadily rather than launch at full scale.
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Since its commercial launch in July 2024, Vizhinjam port has operated primarily as a transshipment hub. The addition of exim cargo handling will mark a significant expansion, boosting both regional and international trade. The temporary 1.7-kilometre road linking the port to NH-66 is nearing completion and is expected to be ready by the time gateway services commence, easing container truck movement and reducing congestion.
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However, sources indicate the state govt is in no rush to begin gateway operations, despite ports minister VN Vasavan's earlier assurance that services would start by July 2025. "Progress on the temporary road is slowed by the monsoon. A retaining wall still needs to be built at a 150-metre stretch between a bridge and NH-66, and service roads on both sides must be widened," a source said.
The port users' building, which will house customs officers, has been completed and a scanner has been installed near the gateway to inspect cargo trucks.
One major pending decision involves the proposed cloverleaf interchange at the NH-66 junction.
Though NHAI has given in-principle approval, final clearance is awaited due to a delay in the state govt's review. Port secretary A Kowsigan is currently on deputation training and a final decision is expected after a joint meeting between the ports department and PWD.
Estimated at Rs 360 crore, the cloverleaf design requires 30 acres of land and could be jointly funded by the state govt and Adani Group, with the Centre potentially covering 50% of the cost.
Until then, the temporary road will act as a stopgap, supporting the gradual ramp-up of cargo operations.
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