Kerala To Boost Logistics to Enhance Business for Vizhinjam port

The state government of Kerala is taking significant initiatives, including the launch of a Logistics Park network. Situated in close proximity to the upcoming port—a key infrastructure project for the region—the logistics parks will cover approximately 600 acres across Vizhinjam and the neighboring areas of Venganoor and Balaramapuram. This ambitious development is in line with the state government’s recently approved logistics park policy, which also includes the acquisition of around 600 hectares of land through a land pooling arrangement.

The land pooling system is designed to minimize resistance to acquisition by offering landowners tangible benefits in exchange for their cooperation. Alongside these developments, the state government is also conducting awareness campaigns locally to inform residents about the positive impacts of the project, such as job creation and the overall regional development expected from the port and its associated logistics parks. This is done in hope of alleviating concerns and gaining community support, particularly regarding the land pooling system, which remains a sensitive issue.

The government is working on formalizing specific regulations for the development of logistics parks, including protocols for land acquisition. However, this process is expected to take time. In the interim, the state is focusing on informing landowners and ensuring they fully understand the potential benefits of the project. One proposed condition is that at least 70% of landowners in a given area must agree to the acquisition before any land is officially acquired, ensuring broad community support and reducing opposition. Once operational, these logistics parks will be a major asset for private businesses, enabling efficient transportation of goods to and from the Vizhinjam port.

This will be supported by road and rail connectivity, with plans underway to develop a rail link between the port and Balaramapuram railway station. Additionally, the government has announced the construction of a 629-kilometer coastal highway, stretching from Vizhinjam to Kasaragod and connecting key ports like Kollam and Vallarpadam. The Vizhinjam-Kazhakootam section of the highway is set to be developed as a logistics corridor, providing critical infrastructure to fuel the region’s economic growth. Currently, the Vizhinjam port operates mainly as a ship-to-ship transshipment facility, where large “mother ships” offload containers to smaller feeder vessels for transport to other Indian ports.