Kerala Signs Rs 2000 Crore Logistics MoUs to Transform Vizhinjam Port into Strategic Maritime Hub

Kerala has taken a decisive step towards strengthening its maritime economy by signing Memorandums of Understanding worth Rs 2000 crore for the development of a comprehensive logistics ecosystem at Vizhinjam International Seaport. The initiative reflects a strategic vision to position Vizhinjam not just as a transshipment port but as a fully integrated economic development hub.

The agreements bring together Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited and three major central public sector undertakings including Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Container Corporation of India and Central Warehousing Corporation. By aligning with established public sector entities, the state aims to ensure transparent operations, competitive pricing and long term national maritime interests even as the port operates under a public private partnership framework.

A significant portion of the investment will be directed towards building large scale bunkering facilities by Indian Oil Corporation Limited. This move is expected to attract mother vessels and strengthen Vizhinjam’s role in global shipping routes across the Indian Ocean region. Container Corporation of India will develop inland container depots and freight stations to enhance seamless rail based cargo evacuation across the country. Meanwhile Central Warehousing Corporation will establish a modern multi modal logistics park equipped with cold storage and export oriented infrastructure.

Together these projects are designed to create an efficient cargo handling ecosystem, reduce logistics costs and improve turnaround time for traders and exporters. The master plan also reinforces Kerala’s ambition to capture a larger share of international maritime trade while generating employment and ancillary industrial growth.

With infrastructure expansion backed by strong public sector participation, Vizhinjam is steadily emerging as a high potential gateway for India’s southern coastline and a catalyst for sustained regional economic growth.