Vizhinjam logistics park: VISL considers Amaravila site after protests

Summary

Vizhinjam International Seaport Ltd has identified a 20-acre parcel near Amaravila for Central Warehousing Corporation’s proposed logistics park and warehouse. The alternative follows opposition to an earlier location at Udiyankulangara. Lower population density and proximity to a railway line are key considerations as the site remains under evaluation.

Alternative parcel identified south of Udiyankulangara

The proposed Vizhinjam logistics park has moved into a fresh site-assessment stage, with Vizhinjam International Seaport Ltd (VISL) identifying land near Amaravila, south of Udiyankulangara, for Central Warehousing Corporation’s (CWC) facility.

The approximately 20-acre parcel has relatively lower population density and lies close to a railway line, an important requirement for the project. VISL is coordinating land identification for the proposed park and warehouse.

The facility is intended to support storage, cargo movement and handling associated with Vizhinjam International Seaport.

Identification of the alternative parcel represents a planning development. The latest update does not establish that acquisition is complete or construction has been authorised.

Displacement concerns prompted reconsideration

VISL had previously examined land near the railway bridge at Udiyankulangara. Residents opposed that proposal, claiming approximately 500 houses were located in and around the project area and expressing concern about possible displacement.

An action council was formed, with the local Communist Party of India (Marxist) unit supporting the protests. The opposition prompted authorities to explore a location farther south.

The housing figure reflects residents’ claims rather than a confirmed acquisition or resettlement assessment.

Earlier approval covered a broader CWC proposal

The site search follows Kerala’s in-principle approval earlier in 2026 for logistics park proposals from CWC and Container Corporation of India (CONCOR).

In February, VISL’s managing director was authorised to negotiate long-term land lease terms and enter non-binding memoranda of understanding, subject to further government approval.

At that stage, CWC had sought up to 50 acres at Amaravila beside the existing railway line. VISL was expected to acquire and lease the land, while CWC would develop infrastructure and obtain statutory approvals.

The newly identified 20-acre parcel should therefore be distinguished from the earlier, larger land requirement. The latest development does not clarify whether it represents a revised project footprint or one component of the broader proposal.

CONCOR’s separate plan involved approximately 25 acres at Kottukal near the port. These parallel proposals demonstrate that the hinterland programme comprises multiple facilities with their own land and development arrangements.

VISL’s responsibilities extend beyond the waterfront

VISL is wholly owned by the Kerala government and was established to implement the Vizhinjam port project. Its responsibilities include land procurement, external infrastructure and monitoring obligations under the concession agreement.

Its mandate also encompasses supporting logistics centres, free trade zones and warehousing facilities associated with the port.

This role explains its involvement in finding land for CWC, while the warehousing corporation is expected to develop its own facility under the earlier proposed arrangement.

The distinction matters because the logistics park is a supporting hinterland project, separate from the marine terminal’s berth, breakwater and container-handling works. Developing the surrounding logistics network requires coordination among land authorities, infrastructure agencies and facility developers.

Gateway cargo ambitions strengthen the logistics case

VISL’s broader development programme envisages expanding Vizhinjam’s role beyond transshipment into export-import gateway cargo. Its published business plan targets growth in annual gateway volumes from 150,000 to 1.5 million TEUs over a decade.

The planned supporting ecosystem includes multimodal logistics parks, inland container depots, container freight stations, free trade warehousing zones, cold-chain facilities and truck terminals.

VISL has also announced memoranda of understanding with Indian Oil Corporation, CONCOR and CWC as part of this infrastructure programme.

These are development plans and targets, rather than completed facilities or guaranteed cargo volumes. They nevertheless explain why suitable hinterland land and connections are central to the port’s commercial strategy.

Port expansion provides the wider backdrop

Vizhinjam began Phase I commercial operations on 3 December 2024. Construction of its integrated Phase II, III and IV expansion was formally launched in January 2026.

The programme includes extending the container berth to two kilometres, lengthening the breakwater to 3.88 kilometres and creating additional container yards through reclamation.

Completion is targeted for December 2028, with planned throughput capacity of up to 5.7 million TEUs annually. The expansion investment is approximately ₹7,398 crore.

The CWC site assessment forms part of the separate effort to develop logistics capacity around this growing maritime gateway. Its progress will depend on resolving the location and development arrangements.

FAQs

Where is the alternative site?

Near Amaravila, south of Udiyankulangara, in the hinterland of Vizhinjam port.

How large is the newly identified parcel?

Approximately 20 acres.

Why was an alternative sought?

Residents opposed the earlier location because of concerns about possible displacement.

Has the new site been finally approved?

The parcel is being considered. The latest update does not confirm completed acquisition or construction approval.

Who is proposing the facility?

Central Warehousing Corporation is proposing the logistics park and warehouse, with VISL coordinating land identification.