Kerala Clears Consultant Appointment To Drive Port-Led Industrialisation At Vizhinjam: Report

The Kerala government has cleared the appointment of a consultant for Vizhinjam International Seaport Ltd (VISL) to draw up a roadmap for port-led industrialisation.

Beginning work in October, the consultant will focus on identifying land, developing cluster strategies, and preparing a financially viable plan to attract investment, according to a Times of India report.

The scope includes market studies, feasibility analysis, and proposals for container yards, logistics parks, warehouses, and industrial clusters such as food-processing and manufacturing zones.

VISL has already earmarked more than 700 acres in Thiruvananthapuram district for potential use, which will be placed before the state government for final approval.

Alongside, discussions with IOC and BPCL are underway on setting up bunkering facilities near the port, though progress will hinge on land and environmental clearances.

“Without supporting infrastructure, port operations cannot reach full potential. Container yards, road access and logistics systems must be in place before gateway traffic begins,” a senior government official stressing the importance of support facilities was quoted as saying.

To facilitate this, the state has sanctioned Rs 1.83 crore for the consultant’s detailed project report, which will cover both marine and land-based infrastructure.

Connectivity is also being prioritised. A 9.02 km underground rail tunnel linking Vizhinjam with the Southern Railway mainline at Balaramapuram has been proposed, with tenders to be floated by Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd next month.

The project, estimated at around Rs 1,482 crore, is expected to be completed by 2028. In addition, a Rs 360 crore cloverleaf interchange at Thalakode, connecting the port approach road with NH-66, awaits PWD approval.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has emphasised the urgency of land acquisition, urging officials to secure roughly 2,000 acres to ensure Kerala keeps pace with Tamil Nadu in developing port-driven economic corridors.

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