Kottayam Port Plans Water Link to Vizhinjam

17 Jul 2025 CW Team

Kottayam Port and Container Terminal, India’s first inland container depot (ICD), is planning to establish inland water connectivity with Vizhinjam Port to enable efficient cargo transshipment. The proposal has received a favourable response from the Kerala government, and port authorities have held initial discussions with the Customs Commissioner. They are optimistic about achieving a minimum daily movement of 30 TEUs to Vizhinjam.

KM Roopesh Babu, General Manager of the port, noted that dredging via Thrikkunnapuzha and the Thottappally Spillway would be essential to establish this route. A recent market survey suggests that inland cargo movement could increase by approximately 2,000 TEUs per month, supporting exporters across the Central Travancore region.

The Kottayam facility could act as a customs clearance hub for international cargo, streamlining onward movement to Vizhinjam and easing congestion at the main port. Inland water connectivity is also expected to reduce road traffic, ensuring timely cargo arrivals, Babu added.

As part of its expansion, a Rs 40 million reach stacker will soon be brought in from Beypore. Since operations began in 2012, Kottayam Port has handled over 25,000 TEUs to Vallarpadam Container Transshipment Terminal, contributing Rs 920 million to government revenue through taxes. The port’s main cargo includes natural rubber, rubber mats, clinkers, and machinery.

Expansion efforts have gained momentum with a UK-based firm showing interest in investing. The proposed three-phase development, requiring Rs 200 million, includes new berths, container yards, warehouses, and handling equipment.

Though Kottayam ICD has received regulatory clearance to use inland waterways, most cargo still moves by road to Kochi. The proposed water route to Vizhinjam is seen as a strategic move to transform regional logistics and reduce highway congestion.

Infrastructure Transport

06 Feb 2026

Lucknow Metro East-West Corridor Consultancy Contract Awarded

The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation has awarded the first construction-related consultancy contract for the Lucknow Metro East West Corridor to a joint venture of AYESA Ingenieria Arquitectura SAU and AYESA India Pvt Ltd. The firm was declared the lowest bidder for the Detailed Design Consultant contract for Lucknow Metro Line-2 under Phase 1B and the contract was recommended following the financial bid. The contract is valued at Rs 159.0 million (mn), covering design services for the corridor. Lucknow Metro Line-2 envisages the construction of an 11.165 kilometre corridor connecting Cha..

Div Com Kashmir Urges Fast Tracking Of Jhelum Water Transport Project

The Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir has called for the fast-tracking of the Jhelum water transport project, urging district administrations and relevant agencies to accelerate planning and clearances. In a meeting convened at the divisional headquarters, the commissioner instructed officials from irrigation, public health engineering and municipal departments to prioritise the project and coordinate survey and design work. The directive emphasised removal of administrative bottlenecks and close monitoring to ensure timely mobilisation of resources and contractors. Officials were told to in..

Interarch Reports Strong Q3 And Nine Month Results

Interarch Building Solutions Limited reported unaudited results for the third quarter and nine months ended 31 December 2025, recording strong revenue growth driven by execution and a robust order book. Net revenue for the third quarter rose by 43.7 per cent to Rs 5.225 billion (bn), compared with Rs 3.636 bn a year earlier, reflecting heightened demand in pre-engineered building projects. The company’s total order book as at 31 January 2026 stood at Rs 16.85 bn, supporting near-term visibility. EBITDA excluding other income for the quarter increased by 43.2 per cent to Rs 503 million (mn),..