Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 23 (UNI) In a significant move aimed at transforming Kerala’s industrial and maritime landscape, the State Government will unveil a Rs 2,000 crore public sector-led logistics and maritime infrastructure masterplan anchored to the Vizhinjam International Seaport.
The initiative marks Kerala’s first large-scale port-led industrial ecosystem built around the strategic potential of the deepwater port.
The Government of Kerala, through its wholly-owned company Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited (VISL), will sign landmark Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with three leading Central Public Sector Undertakings, bringing in a combined investment of ₹2,000 crore.
The MoUs will be executed today, between 10.15 am and 10.45 am at the Chief Minister’s Chamber in the Legislative Assembly Complex.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who also serves as Chairman of VISL, will preside over the function. Ports Minister V.N. Vasavan, Secretary of Ports Dr A. Kowsigan IAS, VISL Managing Director Dr Divya S. Iyer IAS, and senior leadership of the participating Central PSUs will be present at the event.
The Board of Directors of VISL and the Government-level Project Implementation Committee have mandated VISL to lead the creation of a port-based industrial ecosystem leveraging the operational strengths of Vizhinjam.
The decision recognises the specialised, port-dependent nature of these investments and their direct linkage to port development and maritime operations, positioning VISL to drive Kerala’s port-led industrial growth and broader economic transformation.
While port operations at Vizhinjam are being managed under a Public-Private Partnership framework, the State’s new initiative ensures that the strategic logistics ecosystem surrounding the port remains anchored in public ownership.
The approach seeks to safeguard national strategic interests, prevent monopolistic pricing in crucial backend infrastructure such as fuel, rail connectivity and warehousing, protect Kerala’s exporters, and maximise public wealth generation.
Under the masterplan, Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), a Maharatna PSU, will invest ₹700 crore to develop dedicated fuel bunkering infrastructure on land adjoining the seaport.
The facility will cater to the fuel requirements of container vessels and commercial shipping, strengthening maritime energy infrastructure and enhancing Vizhinjam’s competitiveness as a regional bunkering hub.
Container Corporation of India Limited (CONCOR), a Navratna PSU under the Ministry of Railways, will invest ₹600 crore to develop multimodal logistics infrastructure, including container freight stations, inland container depots, and integrated rail- and road-based cargo evacuation systems.
The project is expected to improve cargo movement efficiency, reduce logistics costs, and integrate Vizhinjam seamlessly into the national logistics network.
Another Navratna PSU, Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC), will invest ₹700 crore to establish a state-of-the-art Multi-Modal Logistics Park across approximately 50 acres near the port.
The facility will offer modern warehousing, container handling systems, cold chain infrastructure, and integrated supply chain services.
The project will be fully funded and implemented by CWC, reinforcing public sector leadership in logistics infrastructure development.
With the signing of these MoUs, Kerala signals a decisive shift from focusing solely on port construction to building a comprehensive, publicly anchored maritime logistics ecosystem around Vizhinjam, positioning the State as a key gateway in India’s global trade architecture.
Kerala to unveil Rs 2,000 crore public sector logistics masterplan for Vizhinjam port
