Kerala mulls wider role for VISL in port-linked infrastructure, key rail link under review

The government is all ready to consider a proposal to grant Vizhinjam International Port Limited a major role in the port infrastructure development. A project implementation committee, chaired by Chief Secretary Dr A Jayathilak, convened on Monday to discuss the next steps. This decision is allowing VISL to acquire land for developing port-related infrastructure could prove to be a significant turning point. 

We need container yards, terminals, logistics park and warehouses in place to handle the large volumes of cargo once the port becomes operational. Although, the final approval from the government is essential for this to move forward, an officer from the ports department said. “Infrastructure development is moving at a slow pace and even the Outer Ring Road project has not gained significant momentum. We should think of it, not just as a road project, but as an essential infrastructure initiative that will support and benefit from the port’s operations,” the officer added. 

In its 58th board meeting, VISL emphasized its focus on creating infrastructure suited for port-driven economic growth. The board formally requested government permission to acquire approximately 100 acres of land near the port. These developments come as VISL is also expected to decide on the rail connectivity to the port.