Mission Samudra, Vizhinjam EXIM ops launched: Thiruvananthapuram port to spearhead Kerala’s maritime transformation

The Kerala government has officially launched Mission Samudra, an initiative aimed at developing Kerala as a port-led economy by integrating its two international ports, a container freight station and 18 minor ports. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan launched the mission at Vizhinjam International Seaport, alongside flagging off EXIM cargo operations from the port.

Launching the mission, Satheesan said Kerala should leverage its 600-km coastline and maritime infrastructure to transform the state into a “port city”. He said the government would seek private investment to develop and connect the state’s ports and aim to shift 50-60 per cent of cargo movement from roads to waterways.

As part of Mission Samudra, the government plans to develop logistics parks, warehousing facilities, container freight stations, free industrial zones and processing facilities, including fish-processing zones, around Vizhinjam. Satheesan said Kerala’s traditional products, including cashew, coir, handloom products, spices and oleoresins, should be exported to global markets from Vizhinjam.

The Chief Minister also announced plans for a cruise terminal at Kochi, with passenger services envisaged between Kochi and Dubai, Kochi and Goa, and Kasaragod and Thiruvananthapuram. These services would be linked with Kerala’s 44 rivers, lakes and backwaters to develop river-cruise and other tourism projects.

He also said the government had begun steps to establish a large oceanarium in Kochi and an international-standard maritime museum in Kerala, showcasing the state’s maritime history and its role in India’s and the world’s maritime history.

Satheesan said the government also plans to connect Mission Samudra with academia by encouraging universities to introduce programmes in maritime history, maritime law, logistics and other related disciplines. Vizhinjam Port itself is expected to establish academic programmes and training centres, with the government seeking to create employment opportunities for trained students in Kerala’s ports.

Highlighting the port’s automated, algorithm-driven cargo-handling system, Satheesan said there was a need to develop specialised training around the technology. He also proposed establishing consultancy capabilities at Vizhinjam, similar to those envisioned for Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL), so that Kerala could eventually offer port-development expertise and consultancy to other states and countries.

On infrastructure, Satheesan acknowledged that Kerala had fallen behind on road and rail connectivity to Vizhinjam, but said: “it is not too late”.

Notably, the CM took the opportunity to politically target the previous LDF governments, citing a “lost decade”. He said the government has approved Rs 3,200 crore for land acquisition for the ₹12,000-crore Ring Road project.

He also promised that the state government would complete its obligations under the Vizhinjam concession agreement within a fixed timeframe and accelerate land acquisition around Vizhinjam and Thiruvananthapuram. He said KINFRA and INKEL had been asked to acquire land for activities linked to the port and the capital city.

Satheesan also highlighted the potential for a Kerala Brand for locally manufactured and value-added products, saying the government wants such products to be exported through Vizhinjam. He pointed to the export of Kerala food products, including idli, sambar, ilayada and pazhampori, as an indication of the potential.

Calling Mission Samudra the beginning of a larger effort to harness Kerala’s maritime advantages, Satheesan said the government would pursue time-bound plans to turn the state’s coastline and port network into a major economic and tourism asset.