Inland waterway proposed to link Kottayam port with Vizhinjam

A view of the Kottayam port. | Photo Credit: VISHNU PRATHAP

In a move that could open up a new inland logistics route to Vizhinjam, Kottayam port has proposed a 180-km waterway corridor linking the country’s first inland container depot with the international seaport.

The proposal comes just months before the port is set to launch its barge service to Kochi. Discussions have already been held with the Industries Minister and officials of the Inland Waterways department, who have extended their support to the project. With the State government deciding to appoint the Ports Secretary as chairman of Kottayam port and the CEO of the Kerala Maritime Board as a member of its board, talks with Vizhinjam port authorities are also expected to gather pace. The port authorities are planning to discuss the proposal with Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan soon.

The project envisages transporting containers from Kottayam to Vizhinjam through National Waterways 9 and 3, before entering the Arabian Sea through the Valiyazheekkal breakwaters.