Trivandrum: In a major move to transform the state’s maritime landscape, the Kerala Government officially signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with three Central Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) to launch a Rs. 2,000 crore logistics master plan at the Vizhinjam International Seaport.
The agreements were executed in the presence of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. This initiative marks a strategic shift to transform the port into a comprehensive economic development hub, ensuring that critical infrastructure remains under public-sector oversight even as the port operates under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
The partnership involves the state-owned Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited (VISL) and three central giants: IOCL, CONCOR, and CWC. By integrating these entities, the government aims to prevent monopolisation in cargo handling, guarantee fair pricing for traders, and safeguard national maritime interests.
The Rs. 2,000 crore investment is divided into three strategic sectors:
Maritime Fueling (Rs. 700 Crore): Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) will establish large-scale bunkering facilities. This infrastructure will provide fuel for the massive mother ships frequenting Vizhinjam, positioning the port as a primary energy hub in the Indian Ocean.
Rail Connectivity (Rs. 600 Crore): The Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) will develop a robust transport network, including Inland Container Depots (ICD) and Container Freight Stations (CFS), to ensure efficient cargo movement across India via the rail network.
Logistics & Warehousing (Rs. 700 Crore): The Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC) will construct a state-of-the-art Multi-Modal Logistics Park. Spanning roughly 50 acres, this facility will feature cold storage and export-linked units, developed without any financial liability to the state government.