The Kerala government is launching significant
initiatives, including a new network of logistics parks, to support the
upcoming Vizhinjam port—an important infrastructure project for the region.
These logistics parks will span about 600 acres in Vizhinjam and nearby areas
like Venganoor and Balaramapuram, aligning with the state’s new logistics park
policy. As part of this effort, the government plans to acquire around 600
hectares of land through a land pooling arrangement, which aims to make the
acquisition process smoother by offering benefits to landowners. To build
community support and address concerns about land acquisition, the government
is running local awareness campaigns that highlight the project's benefits,
such as job creation and regional development. Understanding that the land
pooling system can be sensitive, the government is focusing on clear
communication with landowners. They propose that at least 70% of landowners in
an area must agree to the acquisition before any land is taken, ensuring broad
community backing. Once the logistics parks are up and running, they will
greatly benefit private businesses by facilitating efficient transport of goods
to and from the port. This will be supported by improved road and rail
connections, including plans for a rail link between the port and Balaramapuram
railway station. Additionally, a 629-kilometer coastal highway is set to be
built, connecting Vizhinjam to Kasaragod and key ports like Kollam and
Vallarpadam. The section between Vizhinjam and Kazhakootam will be developed as
a logistics corridor, enhancing the region’s economic prospects. Currently, the
Vizhinjam port primarily functions as a ship-to-ship transhipment hub, where
large vessels transfer containers to smaller ships for transport to other
Indian ports.

