The Vizhinjam International Seaport is commencing full-fledged export-import (EXIM) operations today, marking a significant shift for the port as it moves beyond its role as a transshipment hub to become a direct gateway for Kerala’s exports and imports.
Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan visited Vizhinjam early today to review the port’s operational preparedness ahead of the opening of its gates for land-based EXIM cargo movement. Accompanied by Industries, Information Technology and Commerce Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty, Satheesan reviewed arrangements for the next phase of the port’s development and visited the Vehicle Traffic Management System (VTMS) office.
Satheesan will flag off the first export container at a ceremony marking the commencement of EXIM operations. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, who was scheduled to attend as chief guest, will not be present at the event.
The opening of the port gates will allow containers to be brought into and taken out of Vizhinjam as part of regular land-based EXIM operations. Until now, the port has primarily functioned as a transshipment facility, connecting international shipping services with cargo destined for other markets.
Vizhinjam began trial operations in July 2024 and entered commercial operations five months later. As of July 31, 2026, the port had handled 1,057 vessel calls and more than 2.24 million TEUs. It has regular and ad-hoc services connecting it with more than 110 major ports across 50 countries on six continents.
Direct gateway for Kerala’s exporters
The transition to EXIM operations could reduce the need for Kerala-bound and Kerala-origin cargo to be routed through established regional transshipment hubs such as Colombo, Singapore and Dubai.
The first export container from Vizhinjam was shipped to Valencia, Spain, during a trial run, demonstrating the potential for direct international cargo movement from the port.
For exporters, direct connectivity could translate into shorter transit times, lower logistics costs and greater access to overseas markets. Sectors expected to benefit include agricultural and food products, spices, cashew, marine products, handloom and textiles, pharmaceuticals, Ayurveda, rubber and plastics, and electrical and electronics.
The development could also generate demand for supporting logistics infrastructure across Thiruvananthapuram and neighbouring districts, including warehouses, cold-storage facilities, container freight stations, logistics parks and other cargo-handling services.
A customs public notice has already been issued to facilitate EXIM operations. A temporary road connecting the port area to NH 66 has also been completed, while a customs-bonded area for EXIM containers has been created within the port to address the absence of a container freight station in Thiruvananthapuram.
Vizhinjam positioned as an economic and logistics hub
The state government is now seeking to build a wider maritime economy around Vizhinjam through its port-led development programme, Mission Samudra.
The programme envisages a Vizhinjam maritime economic region comprising eight industrial clusters and three new cities linked to Kerala’s coastline. It includes a ₹400-crore catalytic fund aimed at improving port connectivity, logistics infrastructure and industrial clusters.
Mission Samudra comprises 14 sub-schemes, with programme management and capacity building forming a cross-cutting component. The initiative is designed to connect Vizhinjam with industrial and logistics infrastructure across the state, including Kinfra parks, NH 66, NH 544, the proposed outer ring road, National Waterway-3 and inland waterways.
The government also plans to integrate Kerala’s 17 minor ports with Vizhinjam and develop facilities such as ship-repair units, multimodal logistics parks and container freight stations through public-private partnerships and private investment.
A seafood park at Vizhinjam is also planned through fishermen’s cooperative societies.
From port infrastructure to an industrial ecosystem
The state expects the port’s EXIM connectivity to support the expansion of industries ranging from food processing and textiles to pharmaceuticals, rubber and plastics and high-tech manufacturing.
Officials expect around 45 new industrial units to be established during the first year, with the number targeted to rise to more than 1,500 by 2040. The area covered by such industrial activity is expected to expand from around 20 hectares to more than 420 hectares.
The government also expects Mission Samudra to attract private investment exceeding 10 times the public investment by 2031, creating employment across port operations, logistics, manufacturing, trade, construction and allied services.
With the commencement of full land-based EXIM operations today, Vizhinjam is entering a new phase. Its importance will increasingly extend beyond vessel handling and transshipment to the wider logistics ecosystem, connecting Kerala’s manufacturers and exporters directly with global markets while creating demand for industrial, warehousing and multimodal logistics infrastructure.
The development marks a strategic transition for Vizhinjam from a major infrastructure project into a potential economic gateway for Kerala and a more integrated node in international maritime trade.
