Kerala’s shipping fraternity has to wait for some more time for the Vizhinjam International Container Transhipment Terminal to start gateway cargo operations.

At the stakeholders’ meeting convened by Customs, it was informed that the proposed commencement of Exim operations, earlier planned for November 1, had to be deferred due to technical issues and the revised target date has been scheduled for January 2026.

Gate opening will mark a historic moment in the Indian shipping industry as it will pave the way for cargoes originating from the South Indian sectors to get direct connectivity to ports across the world. Once the terminal completes its second phase, the trade expects more direct liner connectivity from Vizhinjam to all the major trading sectors. This will substantially reduce the cost of shipping and also give a competitive edge to the industries in terms of delivery lead time, Binu K.S., representing the Kerala Steamer Agents’ Association said.

Besides, gate opening will also boost revenue earnings of the State’s economy. Transportation to and from the port and other ancillary services connected to the terminal movements will usher in more employment opportunities, he said.

Stakeholders who participated in the meeting also sought permission for customs-cleared/ seal-intact containers from Tuticorin, Kollam, Kottayam and nearby ICDs and ports to be accepted at Vizhinjam. They also suggested bonded movement of imported containers from Vizhinjam to these locations.

Customs officials said that proposals for stuffed containers from Kollam port to Vizhinjam and vice versa by barges and from other nearby ports will be considered. Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) and the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences have approached for imports through Vizhinjam. Cargo movement from ICD Bangalore and ICD Coimbatore are also expected due to congestion at Nhava Sheva and direct services from Vizhinjam.

Adani Port officials said space constraints for segregating imports and exports is the key challenge and there is a need to support infrastructure such as roads and container freight stations before full scale gate operations.

The steamer agents also requested adequate manpower and resources to ensure uninterrupted 24x7 operations considering the anticipated increase in trade volumes that will require increased staffing across Customs, Immigration, PHO etc.

They have also raised concerns on road conditions and traffic management in certain stretches between the port and the highway, which are unsafe for trailer movement due to elevation and design issues and requested for a trial run with loaded trailers before the start of Exim cargo movement.

However, Adani Port officials said that trial runs would be conducted post-completion and coordinated with NHAI for road movement. 

Source: The Hindu Business Line 

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