Kerala Signs Rs 2,000 Crore Logistics Pacts to Transform Vizhinjam Port into Economic Hub

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has signed a historic Rs 2,000 crore logistics partnership for the Vizhinjam International Seaport, involving three central Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs): IOCL, CONCOR, and CWC. The agreements, signed on February 23, aim to transform the port into an economic hub while maintaining public sector oversight under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

The Rs 2,000 crore investment is divided into three areas:

Maritime Fueling (Rs 700 Crore): IOCL will set up large-scale bunkering facilities, turning Vizhinjam into a major energy hub.

Rail Connectivity (Rs 600 Crore): CONCOR will enhance rail connectivity with Inland Container Depots (ICD) and Container Freight Stations (CFS).

Logistics & Warehousing (Rs 700 Crore): CWC will build a 50-acre Multi-Modal Logistics Park, including cold storage and export facilities.

The initiative aims to promote fair pricing, prevent monopolies, and strengthen national maritime interests. The ceremony was attended by Minister for Ports V.N. Vasavan, Ports Secretary Dr. A. Kowsigan IAS, and VISL MD Dr. Divya S. Iyer IAS, alongside senior leadership from the central PSUs.