Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 23 (NationPress) In a pivotal step to strengthen public sector involvement in crucial maritime infrastructure, the Kerala government has entered into Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) valued at Rs 2,000 crore with three Central Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) to establish a cohesive logistics ecosystem at the Adani Vizhinjam International Seaport.

The agreements were signed in the presence of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at the Legislative Assembly complex, marking a strategic policy direction aimed at maintaining essential infrastructure under public governance while the port operates within a public-private partnership (PPP) framework.

This initiative is designed to fundamentally shift Vizhinjam's role from being merely a transshipment facility to a comprehensive logistics and maritime services hub.

The collaboration brings together state-owned Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited (VISL), along with three Central entities — Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Container Corporation of India (CONCOR), and Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC).

Through this strategy, the government aims to integrate vital services such as bunkering, rail-linked cargo transport, and warehousing within the PSU structure, thus mitigating concentration risks in cargo management and ensuring competitive rates for trade participants.

From the total investment, Rs 700 crore is allocated by IOCL for developing extensive bunkering facilities to accommodate mother vessels docking at the port.

This undertaking is forecasted to position Vizhinjam as a critical refuelling station along trade routes in the Indian Ocean, thereby enhancing additional revenue streams.

CONCOR will inject Rs 600 crore into the development of Inland Container Depots and Container Freight Stations, boosting rail connectivity to the national hinterland and expediting cargo evacuation processes.

The final Rs 700 crore from the MoUs will be invested by CWC to construct a multi-modal logistics park covering approximately 50 acres, which will feature cold storage and export-oriented facilities, with officials affirming that this undertaking will not impose any direct financial burden on the state exchequer.

Key ministers and PSU leaders were present at the MoU signing event.

With this comprehensive logistics strategy, Kerala aims to enhance connectivity and strategic capabilities around Vizhinjam, reinforcing its aspiration to become a competitive maritime gateway within the region.