Kottayam port proposes 180-km waterway to link with Vizhinjam
The proposed corridor aims to connect the country's first inland container depot to the international seaport via National Waterways 9 and 3.
Kottayam port has proposed a 180-km waterway corridor to link its facility with the Vizhinjam international seaport, according to The Hindu.
The project intends to transport containers from Kottayam to Vizhinjam using National Waterways 9 and 3, passing through Munroe Island, Ashtamudi Lake, and the Pampa river.
The 180-km journey is expected to take between 12 and 14 hours. The route features 17 bridges, and a major lock system is scheduled for installation at the Thrikkunnapuzha bridge by December to assist container barges.
A senior port official said a preliminary survey is complete, with a secondary survey expected to start in January after consultations with the State government.
The official also stated that a foreign investor is prepared to provide ₹100 crore to the port in four instalments. These funds will be used for infrastructure expansion, including a crane, berth, reach stacker, and a new barge for the Vizhinjam route.
Port authorities plan to discuss the proposal with Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan soon. Discussions have already been held with the Industries Minister and Inland Waterways department officials, who have supported the project.