Kottayam Port Proposes New Inland Waterway Corridor to Vizhinjam

Kottayam port has unveiled a proposal to establish a 180-km inland waterway corridor connecting it to the Vizhinjam international seaport. The route would navigate through National Waterways 9 and 3, passing through various rivers and lakes before reaching the Arabian Sea at Valiyazheekkal.

Officials have confirmed that a preliminary survey is complete, with a secondary survey scheduled for early next year. The project requires the installation of a major lock system at the Thrikkunnapuzha bridge, which is expected to be finished by December to ensure barges can pass through the 17 bridges along the route.

Funding for the initiative is supported by a foreign investor who has pledged ₹100 crore. These funds are earmarked for infrastructure upgrades, including a new crane, berth, and a barge specifically designed for container transport.

The port is currently moving containers to Vizhinjam via a transshipment bond arrangement with the Customs Department. This process allows for goods to be cleared at the Kottayam facility, providing logistical savings for local businesses.