₹7.24 Cr Centre Funding Paves Way for Kollam Port Upgrade

The Union government has sanctioned ₹7.24 crore in financial assistance for the development of a multi-purpose berth and wharf at Kollam port in Kerala, as part of efforts to strengthen the state’s port infrastructure and maritime connectivity.

Under the Sagarmala Programme, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is partially funding the project, which has a total estimated cost of ₹15.15 crore. The central assistance will support the construction of a 101-metre-long and 21-metre-wide wharf along with ancillary facilities.

The Kerala government has accorded in-principle approval for developing Kollam port under the public-private partnership (PPP) model. It is also preparing a detailed project report to identify a development model suited to the port’s requirements and potential.

Kollam port is being developed to support logistics, warehousing, tourism and other maritime activities. The development assumes greater significance as Vizhinjam International Seaport attracts increasing volumes of export-import cargo, making the strengthening of smaller ports in the state important for improving regional connectivity and cargo movement.

Development of Kollam port is expected to attract investments in port operations, logistics, warehousing, tourism and allied maritime activities, while creating new employment opportunities, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha to a question by MP N K Premachandran.

The development of Kollam alongside Vizhinjam International Seaport is expected to enhance Kerala’s maritime infrastructure and connectivity with other ports. The project is also aimed at leveraging the strengths of the state’s port network, improving cargo movement and expanding maritime connectivity.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.