Vizhinjam : A nonpareil International Port
REPORT ON DATE 25-5-2008

When the project is finally completed Vizhinjam will be a unique international port. It will be the specialty of Vizhinjam to have the biggest mother ships at its shore as its depth of 24 metres cannot be claimed or offered by any port in the world. Vizhinjam will not have to spend any amount for dredging work where as other ports in the world will have to spend crores on this count. Another attraction of Vizhinjam is that it is only two nautical miles away for International Shipping Channel.

The Malaysian company, Pempinan Redzai Sdn, will carry out all construction work for the port. The project will give direct employment to 5000 persons and indirect employment in related areas to 1,50,000 persons. Government will have a stake of 24 percent of shares in the company to be formed for implementation of the project.

When the first phase of the project will be completed in three years ships having double the size of the ones being anchored at Kochi can be anchored here. Ships of 8000 T.E.U size can be moored at Vizhinjam in the first phase. When the project will be finally completed ships of 12,000 TEU size can be berthed at the port. A port of international standard, which can handle 1.8 million containers annually, in the first phase of development itself, is conceived. Vizhinjam will pave way for rapid development strides in the State. In fact it will promote growth in the entire Southern India.

Infrastructure Development

Land and Seafront survey were held with a view to avoid eviction of people from their settlements. An area of 400 acres required for the project will be made available by reclaiming the sea front. The cost for reclaiming one cent of land will come to Rs. 10 lakhs.

Necessary survey works for infrastructural facilities were completed by the Vizhinjam International Seaport Ltd., under the State Government, Bangalore-based RIGHTS Consultancy and Kerala Water Authority. Construction of road and rail line will be undertaken by National Highway Authority and Railways.

Road, water supply and electricity will be the immediate infrastructure facilities to be arranged by the State Government. A two kilometre stretch road will be constructed from the port site to the Kazhakkoottam – Kovalam bypass road. Project for providing drinking water from Vellayani fresh water lake at the estimated cost of Rs. 5 crores will be carried out by Kerala Water Authority. A new substation will be set up on the southern flank of the port site for power supply. Primary survey for a 12 kilometre railway line from Balaramapuram to the port site is completed. But the railway line needs to be completed in subsequent stages.

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