Vizhinjam International Seaport is poised to begin export-import (Exim), or gateway cargo operations, in the coming weeks, marking a major step in Kerala’s maritime infrastructure development.
The port has secured a key clearance from the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) following a recent site inspection, enabling it to handle containerised cargo in compliance with safety norms. The final approval from the customs department is now awaited, with officials expecting it within a week. Gateway operations are likely to commence in the second week of May.
Both Adani Vizhinjam Port Pvt Ltd (AVPPL) and Vizhinjam International Seaport Ltd (VISL) have completed preparatory work, citing strong demand from exporters and importers for direct cargo movement through Vizhinjam.
A senior ports department official said the launch of Exim operations would significantly reduce logistics costs and transit times for businesses in Kerala and neighbouring regions, while also lowering dependence on other ports.
In its initial phase, around 30% of port activity will be gateway cargo, with the remaining 70% focused on transshipment. Currently, the port’s 800-metre berth can accommodate two motherships at a time.
Connectivity infrastructure is nearing completion, with the approach road linking the port to National Highway 66 expected to be ready within two weeks. As an interim measure, container trucks will use this route and access the highway through a dedicated underpass, allowing smoother traffic flow by avoiding surface intersections.
Under this arrangement, trucks exiting the port will move through the approach road into the underpass before merging with highway traffic, reducing congestion in surrounding areas. However, this is a temporary solution, as the originally planned cloverleaf interchange—designed for seamless, signal-free connectivity—remains pending a decision from the state government. Until then, the underpass will function as the primary evacuation route, supported by traffic systems approved by the National Highways Authority of India.
Within the port, essential logistics infrastructure has already been installed, including high-capacity scanners for container inspection to meet security and customs requirements. Trial runs are expected shortly, with initial operations likely to handle limited volumes, mainly consisting of local cargo.
The commencement of gateway operations is expected to open new trade avenues and strengthen Vizhinjam’s role as a key logistics hub in the region.
