Kottayam Sea Port: A Pioneering Venture in Kerala’s Transportation Industry
September 20, 2023, 16:39 IST
Kottayam Sea Port, situated along the banks of the Natakam Kotur River, is revolutionizing the transportation of merchandise for over a thousand exporters and local businesses in Central Trivandrum, Kerala. With its abundant inland waterways, this port offers a seamless shipment process for goods from the district to various locations within India and overseas via the Natakam port to Kochi.
In a remarkable feat, Kottayam Port and Container Terminal (KPCT) has become the first Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Minor Port and Inland Container Depot (ICD) in Kerala. It utilizes customs-designated inland water routes to import and export goods, making it a trailblazer in the industry. The port’s primary mission is to provide the necessary infrastructure for the efficient transport of customs-cleared, loaded, and exported cargo containers from the respective districts.
Operating on the Roll-on Roll-off (Ro-Ro) principle, Kottayam Sea Port transports customs-sealed containers barge to designated stacking points at Kochi Port. This innovative approach ensures smooth and secure handling of goods throughout the transportation process.
The port is well-equipped to handle the transportation demands, with the capacity to accommodate 10 TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit) barges. Its jetty offers berthing options for barges measuring 50 12 meters. Additionally, the port boasts a substantial 40,000 square feet warehouse that serves various purposes, including handling exports, imports, and dangerous goods. The implementation of computerized management further enhances the efficiency of goods handling. Occupying a 10-acre parcel of land, the port also provides customs clearance services and utilizes a reach stacker for optimal cargo handling.
Connectivity plays a vital role for Kottayam Sea Port, as it maintains connections to Cochin Port through both road and inland waterway routes. The Vembanad backwater, spanning a distance of 85 kilometers, serves as a crucial link 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, allows for easy access and efficient transportation.
The establishment of Kottayam Sea Port marks a significant milestone in Kerala’s transportation industry. Its utilization of customs-designated inland water routes and state-of-the-art infrastructure sets a new standard for efficient and secure cargo transportation. With its strategic location and commitment to excellence, Kottayam Sea Port is set to become a key player in the region’s economic growth.
Source: [News Desk](https://www.news18.com/byline/news-desk-17918.html)
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