Vizhinjam Port to Handle India's EXIM Cargo from August

Vizhinjam port, which has so far served only as an international trans-shipment hub, will begin handling export-import (EXIM) cargo from India starting August. This marks a significant expansion of the port's operations, though the initial phase comes with certain limitations.

Traders in Kerala and Tamil Nadu have widely welcomed the move, as direct access to international mother ships through Vizhinjam is expected to cut cargo transport costs by nearly half. Industry sources indicate that the official inauguration of EXIM operations is scheduled for the third week of August, pending a formal Customs notification expected shortly.

Currently, the port lacks direct road and rail connectivity for container traffic. A 2-km six-lane road connecting to National Highway 66 is under construction. Two service roads along the highway have been completed, and a trial run for container trucks was conducted recently. Port officials said the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) approved the trial. Customs inspection infrastructure is now in place, but the Kerala government must issue a formal notification to kickstart operations.

A rail link connecting Vizhinjam to Balaramapuram along the Thiruvananthapuram-Kanniyakumari line is planned. The 9-km railway line is expected to be operational by 2028, coinciding with the completion of the port's second phase.

Suppliers note that initially, the port will handle only direct port entry and exit operations because there is no Container Freight Station nearby for customs clearance. Nevertheless, the start of operations is seen as a positive step that could lead to full-fledged EXIM handling in the near future.