Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) plans to develop a 100-acre Container Freight Station (CFS9) near Vizhinjam International Seaport as part of its long-term expansion strategy, supporting the port’s transition into a full-fledged gateway for India’s export-import (EXIM) trade.
The proposed CFS will become operational once EXIM cargo volumes at the port reach sustainable levels. The facility will play a critical role in container handling by enabling cargo screening, customs clearance, sorting, consolidation and repacking, essential processes for efficient import and export operations.
Vizhinjam Port is scheduled to commence Exim container operations on August 18. In the initial phase, operations will be limited to full-container-load (FCL) cargo transported directly between ships and road transport, as the absence of a CFS prevents containers from being opened for cargo consolidation or deconsolidation.
As per port officials, the CFS forms part of the next phase of infrastructure development. Alongside the facility, the port is expanding its capacity through the construction of additional berths on reclaimed land.
The port expects EXIM cargo to account for nearly 30% of its overall container traffic. Initially, containers will move primarily by road, with rail connectivity expected to strengthen cargo movement once the 10-kilometre rail link connecting the port to the national railway network is completed over the next four years.
The Kerala government is also advancing plans to establish supporting logistics infrastructure, including warehouses, a logistics park and a CFS in the Vizhinjam region. Land acquisition and leasing activities are underway, while memoranda of understanding have been signed with several public sector undertakings to develop facilities that will support exporters and importers using the port.
Officials indicated that a temporary cargo-handling facility could also be considered depending on the pace of EXIM traffic growth during the initial phase.
The port is expected to provide a significant logistics advantage to manufacturers and exporters, particularly MSMEs in Coimbatore, Tiruppur and Tirunelveli, by offering a closer gateway for international shipments and reducing dependence on distant ports, thereby lowering transit times and logistics costs.
Ahead of the launch, customs authorities granted final approval for handling EXIM containers under specified operational restrictions until permanent CFS infrastructure is established.
