T’puram: Gateway cargo operations from Vizhinjam International Seaport moved a step closer to reality with National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) submitting its inspection report on the safety measures required at the junction of the port approach road and NH 66 to its regional office for approval.The report, prepared after a detailed field inspection, outlines the mandatory safety infrastructure that must be put in place before export-import (EXIM) cargo movement begins through the port. Once approved by NHAI regional office, the report will be forwarded to state govt, which is expected to issue the final clearance for commencing gateway cargo operations.Among the key recommendations are installation of streetlights on the side walls of the port approach road, traffic signals at NH 66 meeting point, and directional signboards on both Thiruvananthapuram and Nagercoil sides of the national highway to ensure safe movement of container trailers. The report also stresses the need for adequate traffic management arrangements before commercial cargo movement is allowed.“The inspection has been completed, and the report has been submitted to the regional office after a detailed technical study. The recommendations are primarily aimed at ensuring the safe movement of heavy container traffic. The final decision on when operations will commence will be taken by govt after the approval process is completed,” an NHAI official told TOI.The state govt has identified commencement of gateway cargo movement from Vizhinjam Port as one of the priority initiatives under its ongoing 100-day action plan. Official sources said the govt is targeting launch of EXIM cargo operations in Aug, provided the remaining approvals and safety installations are completed on schedule.“The govt is keen to start gateway cargo operations at the earliest as the port enters the next phase of commercial operations. Discussions have already begun with exporters, importers and logistics stakeholders so that the trade community is ready once clearance is granted,” a govt official closely associated with the project said.At present, the port primarily handles transhipment containers. The commencement of gateway cargo operations will enable exporters and importers in Kerala and neighbouring regions to move containers directly through Vizhinjam, reducing dependence on other ports and improving logistics efficiency. Industry stakeholders believe the development will significantly strengthen the port’s role as a major international container hub while providing a cost-effective gateway for EXIM trade in southern India.
