Kerala Signs ₹2,000 Crore Logistics Master Plan MoUs for Vizhinjam International Seaport

Strategic Push to Transform Vizhinjam into a Maritime and Logistics Hub​

Thiruvananthapuram, February 23: The Kerala government on Monday signed memoranda of understanding with three central public sector companies to implement a ₹2,000 crore logistics master plan at the Vizhinjam International Seaport, marking a major step in strengthening the state’s maritime infrastructure.

The agreements were signed at the Legislative Assembly Building in the presence of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, according to a release from the Chief Minister’s Office.

The initiative is positioned as a strategic shift aimed at transforming the port into a comprehensive economic development hub. While the port operates under a Public-Private Partnership model, the government has emphasized that critical infrastructure will remain under public sector oversight.

Public Sector Collaboration to Safeguard Maritime Interests​

The partnership brings together the state-owned Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited and three major central public sector enterprises:

• Indian Oil Corporation Ltd
• Container Corporation of India
• Central Warehousing Corporation

By integrating these entities into the logistics ecosystem at Vizhinjam, the government aims to prevent monopolization in cargo handling, ensure fair pricing for traders, and protect national maritime interests.

₹2,000 Crore Investment Across Three Key Segments​

The total investment under the logistics master plan is divided across three strategic sectors, each designed to strengthen the port’s operational and commercial capabilities.

IOCL to Develop Large-Scale Bunkering Facilities​

Indian Oil Corporation Ltd will invest approximately ₹700 crore to establish large-scale bunkering facilities. These facilities will supply fuel to mother ships calling at Vizhinjam, positioning the port as an important energy hub in the Indian Ocean region.

CONCOR to Build Rail-Linked Cargo Infrastructure​

The Container Corporation of India will commit around ₹600 crore to create rail-linked logistics infrastructure. The proposed development includes inland container depots and container freight stations, aimed at enabling faster and more efficient cargo movement across the country.

CWC to Set Up Multimodal Logistics Park​

The Central Warehousing Corporation will invest about ₹700 crore to develop a multimodal logistics park spread over nearly 50 acres. The project will include cold storage facilities and export-oriented units. The state government clarified that this initiative will not impose any financial burden on the state exchequer.

Senior Officials Present at Signing Ceremony​

The signing ceremony was attended by Minister for Ports V N Vasavan, Ports Secretary Dr A Kowsigan IAS, and Managing Director of VISL Dr Divya S Iyer IAS, along with senior leadership from the participating central public sector undertakings.

With the ₹2,000 crore logistics master plan now underway, the Kerala government has set the stage for positioning Vizhinjam International Seaport as a key logistics and maritime gateway with integrated public sector participation.