Kottayam Port has commenced its first container movement to Vizhinjam International Seaport, establishing a new inland cargo link between central Kerala and the state’s deep-water transshipment gateway.
The first container, carrying over 19 tonnes of rubber mats, was dispatched at around 6:30 PM on September 11 and reached Vizhinjam the same night. The shipment, exported by KP Group of Industries to Toronto, Canada, was handled logistically by Team World Logistics, Mumbai, with customs clearance managed by Anjeril Agencies, Kochi.
The movement reportedly delivered savings of around US$3,000 (approximately ₹2.75 lakh) compared with routing the cargo through Kochi Port.
Kottayam Port officials said the new connectivity could offer exporters and importers a more cost-effective route to international markets, with businesses from neighbouring states also showing interest in the facility.
The first container movement marks a significant step towards strengthening Kottayam–Vizhinjam connectivity and expanding Kerala’s inland cargo network and EXIM trade through Vizhinjam.