Vizhinjam industrial devpt project all set to get rolling

Thiruvananthapuram: The state govt has initiated steps to accelerate port-led industrialisation around the Vizhinjam International Seaport, with the state cabinet granting in-principle approval to acquire 230 acres of land in Thiruvananthapuram district for logistics and industrial development linked to the port.

A govt order issued by the fisheries and ports department authorises the acquisition of land across Kottukal, Maranalloor and Amaravila areas under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013.

The estimated cost of acquisition is Rs 810 crore. Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited (VISL) has been authorised to undertake all works related to port-led industrialisation in the proposed area

Of the 230 acres, the largest chunk — between 135 and 150 acres — will be acquired at Maranalloor, close to the proposed Thiruvananthapuram outer ring road. At Amaravila, 55 acres will be allotted to the Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC), while 20 acres at Kottukal will serve industrial purposes.

The allocation also includes land earmarked for major public sector companies — Container Corporation of India (Concor) and Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL)— to facilitate multimodal logistics parks, warehouses, and bunkering facilities.

The move comes on the back of Vizhinjam's rapid operational growth. Phase-I of the port was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 2, 2025. Since then, the port has handled over one million TEU containers from more than 500 ships, establishing itself as an emerging maritime hub.

Officials said VISL will shortly initiate formal land acquisition proceedings following the cabinet's approval and that the election model code of conduct will not affect the initial stages of the process.

Meanwhile, the state industries department is moving to acquire an additional 600 acres for large logistics parks near the port. Two major private investors have submitted proposals to set up integrated logistics hubs and industries secretary APM Mohammed Hanish said the govt expects to finalize agreements within 20 days.

However, actual land acquisition is likely to proceed only after a new govt is formed following the assembly elections. Kinfra will oversee land acquisition across identified parcels in the district, with the district collector directed to supervise the process.

The govt has also directed Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) to initiate the tender process for a proposed railway link to the port. Final discussions with KRCL have been completed, and the tender is expected to be floated this month.

Officials say the combined development of logistics parks, rail connectivity, and port-based industries will position Vizhinjam as a major cargo gateway for southern India, reducing dependence on transhipment hubs such as Colombo and Singapore.