Foundation Without a Footprint: The Land Crisis at Vizhinjam

Uncertainty continues to cloud the acquisition of land required for port-led industrialisation around the strategically significant Vizhinjam International Seaport, even as the Kerala government prepares to lay the foundation stone for the next phase of port development on January 24.

Despite repeated assurances and several high-level meetings, not a single acre has so far been formally acquired from the estimated 2,000–2,300 acres earmarked for industrial development and associated infrastructure, sources close to the project said.

Officials noted that land acquisition files remain pending across multiple departments at the Secretariat, with no final government orders issued to agencies such as Kinfra, Vizhinjam International Seaport Ltd (VISL), and other stakeholders. A high-level meeting earlier chaired by K M Abraham, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, had decided to proceed with the acquisition of around 2,300 acres to support a port-centric industrial ecosystem, but the absence of formal approvals has stalled progress.

Sources said that once inter-departmental clearances are obtained, the government will issue formal instructions, after which the revenue wing of the district administration will initiate the land acquisition process.

Meanwhile, Principal Secretary (Industries) A P M Mohammed Hanish said the acquisition of 150 acres near Kuttichal in Kattakada under Kinfra is nearing completion. He said the government’s strategy is to prioritise the acquisition of available government land before moving to private land.

“Kinfra will acquire the land at Kattakada shortly. It is currently under consideration by the district administration. Government land will be taken over first, including land belonging to the Kerala Agricultural University at Balaramapuram and parcels at Venganoor,” Hanish said.

The government has taken some steps to accelerate port-led industrialisation, including approving the appointment of an external consultant to prepare a comprehensive development roadmap. The plan will cover land identification, cluster-based development strategies, and feasibility and market studies. More than 700 acres in Thiruvananthapuram district have reportedly been identified for preliminary consideration, pending further action.

In addition, the mandate of the project implementation committee has been extended to expedite land acquisition for port-linked industries. VISL’s board had earlier resolved to focus on building a port-centric industrial ecosystem, requiring at least 600 acres to attract gateway traffic and export-oriented investments.

However, industry observers have warned that prolonged delays could undermine Kerala’s competitive position. Neighbouring Tamil Nadu has already approved over 2,200 acres near Tirunelveli for industrial parks aimed at capitalising on Vizhinjam’s transhipment potential, potentially placing Kerala at a disadvantage.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.