Vizhinjam port to start EXIM operations on August 18

The Story in Brief

Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan announced on Thursday that export-import (EXIM) operations at the Vizhinjam International Seaport will begin on August 18, after all necessary clearances, including from Customs, were secured. The port had so far handled only transshipment, with over 60 per cent of containers linked to other countries. A temporary road connecting the port to NH-66 has been built, and a Customs-bonded area established since Thiruvananthapuram lacks a Container Freight Station.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor welcomed the commencement, calling it a milestone for Kerala to gain direct economic benefits from the port. The phased rollout will begin with direct port delivery of full-container-load imports and factory-stuffed exports. On the proposed transfer of a 49 per cent stake in Adani Vizhinjam Port to Switzerland-based Mediterranean Shipping Company for about $1.4 billion, Mr Satheesan said an empowered committee is examining the matter and no urgency exists to permit it yet.