Kerala Govt Planning Industrial Ecosystem Around Vizhinjam Port, Consultant Appointed To Prepare DPR

The Kerala government has sanctioned Rs 1.83 crore for the appointment of a consultant to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) on industrial development around the Vizhinjam International Seaport.

A selection committee is expected to finalise the consultant by the end of this month, with both technical and financial evaluations already completed, reported Times of India.

The chosen firm will have a year to deliver the report, though early completion will be accepted.

“We are ensuring that the foundations for a port ecosystem are put in place without further delay,” a senior government official was quoted as saying.

“The study will detail supporting infrastructure, container yards, logistics clusters and marine access necessary to make Vizhinjam port an industrial hub.”

The urgency stems from the absence of essential allied facilities around the port. Without container yards, freight-handling stations or trucking terminals, gateway cargo operations cannot commence. Land scarcity is another pressing concern.

“We are getting numerous inquiries from investors seeking land near the port. However, inflated land prices make it unviable. Even around India’s larger ports, land is much cheaper. We are now prioritising land identification for infrastructure like truck terminals and container yards,” the official added.

To address this, the Kerala Maritime Board has proposed transferring five acres near the Inspection Bungalow on Harbour Road to the state, earmarked for logistics hubs under a public–private partnership model, pending cabinet clearance.

Vizhinjam International Seaport Ltd has also been authorised to reserve 200 acres for industrial infrastructure, including cluster developments for food processing and manufacturing.

Connectivity upgrades are underway with a temporary NH-66 link at Thalakode nearing completion.

However, the proposed Rs 360 crore cloverleaf interchange remains stalled. Plans also include a 9 km rail tunnel connecting the port to Balaramapuram, with tenders expected soon.

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