Vizhinjam port is set to enhance cargo movement with a container rail terminal while awaiting direct rail access, projected for 2028.
Vizhinjam Port is advancing its infrastructure by establishing a container rail terminal (CRT) system to facilitate cargo movement while awaiting direct rail access to the international port, which is projected to be completed by 2028. The CRT is designed as a temporary solution to expedite the flow of goods until direct rail links are operational.
The development includes the construction of multipurpose small berths in conjunction with the pulimuttu at the international port. These berths will feature a liquid cargo facility, allowing for the efficient transfer and storage of fuel, edible oil, and other materials in tanks.
Officials emphasise that the CRT system aims to enhance cargo logistics by providing an alternative route for containerised goods. Trailers will transport unloaded containers from freight trains to the port, ensuring that the supply chain remains efficient during this interim period.
Currently, a typical shipment can consist of 70 to 80 containers, with two or three such shipments potentially arriving simultaneously at the port. However, to manage this increased traffic, more space will be needed for shunting yards and unloading operations.
In preparation for this expanded capacity, inspections have commenced at the Neyyattinkara and Thiruvananthapuram South (Nemom) stations by railway authorities to ensure they can support the anticipated rise in container traffic.
The comprehensive development of the Vizhinjam Port, including the CRT system and small multipurpose berths, is a significant step towards enhancing the region’s cargo handling capabilities, thereby positioning the port as a vital hub for international trade.
