Kottayam Port proposes 180-km waterway link to Vizhinjam

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The route has 17 bridges, with a major lock system scheduled to be installed at the Thrikkunnapuzha bridge by December

By BL Kochi Bureau

Updated - November 02, 2026 at 03:39 PM.

The project is not expected to involve any significant expenditure for the government, according to senior port officials.

Kottayam Port and Container Terminal Services (KPACT), a State-notified minor port, has proposed a 180-km inland waterway corridor connecting the country’s first inland container depot with the international seaport at Vizhinjam as part of efforts to develop an alternative logistics route.

The 180-km journey from Kottayam to Vizhinjam is expected to take 12-14 hours. The route has 17 bridges, with a major lock system scheduled to be installed at the Thrikkunnapuzha bridge by December to facilitate the smooth passage of container barges. The waterway has a depth of around two metres along the route, making it navigable for barges.

A preliminary survey has been completed, while the secondary survey is expected to begin by January next year following consultations with the State government. The project is not expected to involve any significant expenditure for the government, according to senior port officials.

Connecting Route

Located close to National Waterway 9, Kottayam Port can connect with National Waterway 3 (Kollam-Kottappuram) through Munroe Island and Ashtamudi Lake. From there, barges can navigate the Pampa River, passing Ambalappuzha, Thottappally and Thrikkunnapuzha, before reaching Valiyazheekal in Kayamkulam Lake. They can then enter the Arabian Sea and proceed towards Vizhinjam.

Discussions have already been held with the State Industries Minister and officials of the Inland Waterways Department. With the State government deciding to appoint the Ports Secretary as chairman of Kottayam Port and the CEO of the Kerala Maritime Board as a board member, discussions with Vizhinjam port authorities are also expected to gather momentum. The port management plans to take up the proposal with Chief Minister V D Satheesan soon.

Port Infra

The project envisages transporting containers from Kottayam to Vizhinjam through National Waterways 9 and 3, reaching Valiyazheekal before entering the Arabian Sea through the Valiyazheekal breakwaters.

The proposed investment will cover the procurement of a new barge and expansion of port infrastructure, including the development of a paved yard and installation of a crane, berth and reach stacker.

Meanwhile, Kottayam Port has already started moving containers to Vizhinjam under a transshipment bond arrangement with the Customs Department. The arrangement allows goods to be cleared at Kottayam before being transported to Vizhinjam, helping businesses save time and logistics costs.

Published on November 2, 2026

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