In a major step toward accelerating port-led development, the Kerala government has approved the appointment of a consultant for Vizhinjam International Seaport Ltd (VISL) to prepare a comprehensive roadmap for industrialization in and around the port.
Starting work in October, the consultant will focus on identifying potential land parcels, conducting market studies, preparing a financially viable cluster development strategy, and outlining a detailed project report (DPR). The ₹1.83 crore project aims to enable logistics infrastructure such as container yards, warehouses, manufacturing units, and food-processing zones.
VISL has already earmarked over 700 acres in Thiruvananthapuram district for proposed clusters, which will be submitted for government evaluation. Discussions are ongoing with oil majors Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) to set up bunkering facilities near the port, subject to land availability and environmental approvals.
Meanwhile, the state is yet to clear the masterplan for the Outer Area Growth Corridor (OAGC), submitted under the Capital Region Development Programme II (CRDP-II) in December 2024. The plan proposes industrial hubs along the Outer Ring Road from Vizhinjam to Navaikulam but faces objections from the revenue and local self-government departments.
“Port operations cannot function at full capacity without adequate infrastructure. We need road access, logistics parks, and container handling facilities before gateway traffic begins,” a senior official emphasized.
Connectivity projects are also picking up pace. A 9.02 km underground rail tunnel has been proposed to link the port with the Southern Railway mainline at Balaramapuram. The ₹1,482 crore project, with a total alignment of 10.7 km, will be executed by Konkan Rail Corporation Ltd and is expected to be completed by late 2028.
Additionally, a cloverleaf interchange at Thalakode, where the port approach road meets NH-66, is on the cards. The ₹360 crore project will require 30 acres and is awaiting approval from the Public Works Department.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has urged faster land acquisition—about 2,000 acres—for infrastructure to support port-linked industries. Stressing urgency, he cautioned that Kerala must not fall behind neighbouring Tamil Nadu in harnessing the full potential of port-led economic growth.
