The Union government has sanctioned Rs 7.24 crore in financial assistance to build a multi-purpose berth and wharf at Kollam Port as Kerala moves to develop its smaller ports alongside the growing Vizhinjam International Seaport.
What does the funding cover?
Under the Sagarmala Programme, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has partially funded the project to construct a 101-meter long and 21-meter wide wharf along with other ancillary facilities. The total project cost stands at Rs 15.15 crore, with the Centre’s Rs 7.24 crore contribution covering a significant share of the development.
What is the port being developed for?
Kollam Port is being developed to support logistics, warehousing, tourism and other allied maritime activities. The state government has accorded in-principle approval for the port’s development under a public-private partnership model, with a detailed project report currently being prepared to identify the model best suited to the port’s specific requirements and potential.
Why does this development matter as Vizhinjam scales up EXIM operations?
With Vizhinjam Port now handling growing volumes of export-import cargo, officials say developing smaller ports such as Kollam has become crucial to strengthening the state’s overall maritime network. Union Minister of Ports Sarbananda Sonowal, in a written reply to Lok Sabha MP N K Premachandran, said the development of Kollam Port is expected to attract fresh investment in port operations, logistics, warehousing, tourism and related maritime activities, generating employment opportunities in the process.
What is the broader vision behind this move?
The government said the development of Kollam alongside Vizhinjam is expected to significantly enhance Kerala’s maritime infrastructure, create new jobs, and strengthen cargo movement by improving connectivity between the state’s ports. The initiative is aimed at leveraging the strengths of Kerala’s port network to expand maritime connectivity and support balanced regional development.
