Kerala Cabinet Approves Major Land Acquisition for Vizhinjam Port Expansion
The Kerala state government has taken decisive steps to accelerate port-led industrialisation around the Vizhinjam International Seaport. In a significant move, the state cabinet has granted in-principle approval to acquire 230 acres of land in Thiruvananthapuram district, specifically earmarked for logistics and industrial development linked to the strategic port.
Details of the Land Acquisition Plan
A government order issued by the fisheries and ports department authorises the land acquisition across Kottukal, Maranalloor, and Amaravila areas. This process will be conducted under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, with an estimated cost of Rs 810 crore. Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited (VISL) has been authorised to oversee all works related to port-led industrialisation in the proposed area.
Breakdown of the 230-acre acquisition includes:
- The largest chunk, between 135 and 150 acres, will be acquired at Maranalloor, located close to the proposed Thiruvananthapuram outer ring road.
- At Amaravila, 55 acres will be allotted to the Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC).
- 20 acres at Kottukal will be designated for industrial purposes.
Additionally, land has been earmarked for major public sector companies such as the Container Corporation of India (Concor) and Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL). This allocation aims to facilitate the development of multimodal logistics parks, warehouses, and bunkering facilities, enhancing the port's operational capabilities.
Background and Rapid Growth of Vizhinjam Port
This initiative follows the rapid operational growth of Vizhinjam port. Phase-I of the port was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 2, 2025. Since then, it has handled over one million TEU containers from more than 500 ships, establishing itself as an emerging maritime hub in the region. Officials have confirmed that VISL will shortly initiate formal land acquisition proceedings, noting that the election model code of conduct will not affect the initial stages of this process.
Additional Developments and Future Plans
In parallel, the state industries department is moving to acquire an additional 600 acres for large logistics parks near the port. Two major private investors have already submitted proposals to set up integrated logistics hubs. Industries secretary APM Mohammed Hanish stated that the government expects to finalise agreements with these investors within 20 days. However, actual land acquisition for this expansion is likely to proceed only after a new government is formed following the upcoming assembly elections.
Kinfra will oversee the land acquisition across identified parcels in the district, with the district collector directed to supervise the process. Furthermore, the government has directed Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) to initiate the tender process for a proposed railway link to the port. Final discussions with KRCL have been completed, and the tender is expected to be floated this month.
Officials emphasise that the combined development of logistics parks, rail connectivity, and port-based industries will position Vizhinjam as a major cargo gateway for southern India. This strategic move aims to reduce dependence on transhipment hubs such as Colombo and Singapore, boosting regional economic growth and industrial output.
