The first cargo waterways in India were introduced by this Kerala port.

Kottayam Sea Port: Enhancing Trade and Connectivity in Central Trivandrum

September 20, 2023, 16:39 IST

Kottayam Sea Port, located along the scenic banks of the Natakam Kotur River, has emerged as a vital hub for trade and transportation in Central Trivandrum, Kerala. With its extensive network of inland waterways, the port offers numerous advantages to exporters and local businesses in the region.

The port, known as the Kottayam Port and Container Terminal (KPCT), is a pioneering venture in Kerala. As the first Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Minor Port and Inland Container Depot (ICD), it has revolutionized the import and export of goods. KPCT employs customs-designated inland water routes, allowing for efficient and hassle-free transportation of cargo containers.

One of the significant advantages of Kottayam Sea Port is its connectivity. Situated just 85 kilometers away from Kochi Port, the port offers both road and inland waterway routes through the picturesque Vembanad backwater. This connectivity enables the transportation of customs-sealed containers by barge to designated stacking points at Kochi Port, following the Roll-on Roll-off (Ro-Ro) principle.

The port is well-equipped to handle the demands of trade. It has a jetty that can accommodate 10 Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit (TEU) barges, with berthing options for barges measuring 50 by 12 meters. Additionally, the port features a spacious warehouse spanning 40,000 square feet, which caters to various purposes such as handling exports, imports, and dangerous goods. With computerized management systems in place, the port ensures efficient handling of goods.

Multimodal transportation is at the core of the port’s operational approach. Customs-sealed containers are transported by barges to stacking points at Cochin Port, maintaining a seamless connection between the two ports. The port’s strategic location, approximately 5 kilometers south of Kottayam town and 1.5 kilometers west of the Main Central Road, further enhances its accessibility.

The Kottayam Sea Port is a game-changer for the trade and business community in Central Trivandrum. By leveraging its abundant inland waterways and implementing efficient transportation methods, the port is boosting economic growth and facilitating seamless connectivity within India and overseas. With its state-of-the-art facilities, KPCT is poised to become a leading port in the region, offering unparalleled convenience and efficiency for trade operations.

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