Administrative nod of Rs 5.5 Cr for godown at Azhikkal Port; Vizhinjam Project to act as booster

Kannur: The Kerala government has granted administrative approval of Rs 5.5 crore for the construction of a godown at Azhikkal Port in Kannur district. Port Minister V. N. Vasavan, while making the announcement, provided an update on the ongoing work at Azhikkal Port and explained its potential impact on the state.

The minister stated that the necessary steps to commence the construction of the godown, which is crucial for storing goods at the port, will begin soon. Dredging operations at Azhikkal Port are set to start after the monsoon, with plans to increase the current depth of 2.5 metres to over 4 metres. Additionally, a project worth Rs 2 crore has been sanctioned to ensure the port has a steady supply of fresh water.

The minister noted that the commissioning of Vizhinjam Port would spur the development of ports like Azhikkal, Beypore, and Kollam. He added that necessary arrangements will be made to send containers arriving at Vizhinjam on mother ships (large cargo ships) to these ports. Basic infrastructure development activities, including dredging, will be undertaken to facilitate this.

As part of tourism development, steps are being taken to connect Vizhinjam, Kollam, Kochi, Beypore, and Azhikkal through a cruise ship service.

Efforts are also underway to establish a passenger ship service from Kochi to Dubai, with a capacity of 1,200 passengers. In the future, such services will be extended to ports like Beypore.

The minister mentioned that discussions with the North Malabar Chamber of Commerce and the Kozhikode Chamber of Commerce will be held this month to expedite the launch of cargo services.

He also stated that activities for the allied infrastructure development of Azhikkal Port will be discussed in the upcoming meeting of the Maritime Board this month, which will be attended by Azhikode MLA K. V. Sumesh.