Vizhinjam International Seaport to launch gateway cargo operations.

Gateway (EXIM) cargo operations at Vizhinjam International Seaport Ltd (VISL) are set to commence in April, with port officials expecting roadway traffic to begin before April 15. While an exact launch date has not been confirmed, shipping liner MSC, which handles major cargo operations at the port, is expected to initiate gateway operations next month. Currently, the port is limited to transshipment activities.

The construction of a 1.7-km road, built by Adani Group to connect the port with NH 66, is nearing completion, with only 600 meters remaining. This final stretch is expected to be finished by the end of March. Additionally, the port user building, which will house customs officers for container truck inspections, is complete, and a scanner has been installed near the port gateway. The facility will also accommodate officials from Adani Vizhinjam Port Pvt Ltd and VISL in the future.

To meet the April deadline, construction is progressing around the clock. The road’s height is being adjusted to align with two previously built bridges. However, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has yet to approve a median cut on NH 66, meaning container trucks will initially use service roads to access the highway.

“The roadway traffic will start next month, and we are working to complete the remaining tasks as soon as possible. However, a permanent road connection to NH 66 is still under discussion with NHAI,” an official close to the project said.

Chief Secretary Sarada Muraleedharan previously wrote to the NHAI chairman, urging immediate approval for interim and permanent road connectivity from the port to NH 66 at Thalakode. The proposed 1.7-km, four-lane road aims to ease congestion at NH 66 and provide seamless access for vehicles traveling from the port to the planned outer ring road.

ET