Cochin Port Union Urges Redevelopment of Strategic Willingdon Island

The Cochin Port Employees Organisation (CPEO) has urged the Cochin Port authorities to take immediate steps for the redevelopment and renovation of Willingdon Island, citing prolonged trade stagnation and employment challenges in the area.

Willingdon Island has witnessed a decline in trade activity following the closure of the Rajiv Gandhi Container Terminal after the commissioning of the Vallarpadam Container Transhipment Terminal. The shift has affected cargo movement and employment opportunities linked to port operations, the organisation said.

Presenting a report at the 21st Biennial Conference of CPEO, General Secretary C.D. Nandakumar said the port management should focus on improving basic infrastructure on Willingdon Island to attract more cargo vessels and ensure better utilisation of the Cochin Port Container Freight Station.

Trade unions have been raising the issue for the past 15 years and have submitted several proposals to the management for the island’s redevelopment, Nandakumar said. He called for renewed efforts to restore trade activity and strengthen the island’s role in Cochin Port’s operations.