Vizhinjam International Seaport Gears Up For The Launch Of Roadway Cargo Operations With Enhanced Connectivity Plans

In a significant development for India’s maritime trade, roadway cargo traffic from Vizhinjam International Seaport is expected to begin in January 2025.

Officials have confirmed that trial runs using 40-foot equivalent container trailers with dummy cargo are underway to test the feasibility of using the current road network. The interim route connects the port site to NH 66 via a service road and vehicular underpass.

“Construction activities are progressing round-the-clock to meet this deadline,” an official stated, adding that the approach road construction is expected to be completed by next month.

Vizhinjam port has garnered considerable interest from manufacturers and traders nationwide, especially after shipping giant MSC included it in its Jade and Dragon services, which facilitate direct trade with Europe and Southeast Asia.

“There is massive demand from manufacturers in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh to export and import goods through Vizhinjam,” said a senior official from Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited (VISL).

The Adani Group and VISL are working closely to ensure customs check posts and other necessary facilities are ready in time for roadway cargo operations.

However, while this is a crucial milestone, business communities have raised concerns that road connectivity alone may not suffice.

To address these concerns, they have proposed a temporary container rail terminal at Nemom or Balaramapuram. In response, the state government has allocated Rs 206 crore to Southern Railway to establish a permanent container yard near Balaramapuram railway station.

The Centre has also granted in-principle approval for a cloverleaf intersection design at Thalakode to link Vizhinjam port with NH 66.

Upcoming meetings involving Railways, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and other stakeholders aim to expedite these projects. A final consultant for port-led industrialisation is expected to be selected by early January.

Currently, Vizhinjam port is handling only transshipment operations. Meanwhile, the state government, Adani Group, and NHAI have intensified discussions to ensure all infrastructure projects meet the January deadline.

Additionally, the state government has tasked VISL with drafting an invitation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to formally inaugurate the port, which was commissioned earlier this month.