T’puram: The state govt has fast-tracked creation of key logistics infrastructure around the Vizhinjam port as the export-import (EXIM) cargo operation is set to be launched on Aug 18.Nearly five acres at the state-owned Trivandrum Spinning Mills Ltd (TSM) in Balaramapuram has been identified for establishing Vizhinjam’s first Container Freight Station (CFS), while another five acres at Kerala Automobiles Ltd (KAL) has been earmarked for an empty container yard, which is expected to be operational within the next two to three months.The proposed CFS will be developed jointly by the industries department and Kerala State Industrial Enterprises (KSIE). Officials said it will take around six months for the facility to become operational as it requires mandatory customs approval. The empty container yard at KAL, however, can be commissioned much earlier since it does not require similar regulatory clearance.Industries department principal secretary APM Mohammed Hanish told TOI that govt is accelerating the development of supporting infrastructure to transform Vizhinjam into a full-fledged maritime logistics hub.“We have identified nearly five acres at Trivandrum Spinning Mills for establishing the state’s first CFS because of its proximity to Vizhinjam. Our focus is to create infrastructure that ensures seamless cargo movement and attracts industries dependent on port-based logistics,” Hanish said.According to him, govt’s efforts have generated strong investor interest in logistics projects linked to the port.“Many investors are approaching the industries department with proposals related to Vizhinjam. There is interest in setting up CFS, empty container depots, container yards, reefer facilities and several other logistics projects that will complement the port ecosystem,” he added. Among the major investors is Dubai-based Sharaf Group, which is in advanced discussions with the state govt for a major logistics investment.A CFS is considered an essential component of gateway cargo operations as it functions as an inland extension of the port. It provides customs clearance, container stuffing and de-stuffing, cargo consolidation, warehousing and temporary storage outside the port premises, thereby reducing congestion inside the port and improving cargo turnaround time.The facility has assumed greater significance after the customs department recently cleared Vizhinjam for gateway cargo operations with specific operational conditions. In the absence of a dedicated CFS, the customs has stipulated that import containers moved out of the port should be transferred to the designated facility within 48 hours, making the early establishment of a nearby CFS critical for smooth cargo movement.Officials said Trivandrum Spinning Mills project will be among the first major off-port logistics facilities supporting Vizhinjam’s EXIM operations. Together with the upcoming empty container yard at KAL, it is expected to pave the way for logistics parks, cold-chain facilities, container handling infrastructure and other value-added services.
