The state government of Kerala has launched a significant initiative aimed at developing a network of logistics parks to support businesses connected to the soon-to-be-operational Vizhinjam International Transshipment Port. The port, a key infrastructure project for the region, is expected to begin operations next month, with the logistics parks playing a critical role in its functionality.

According to sources close to the project, the logistics parks will cover approximately 600 acres across Vizhinjam and the neighboring areas of Venganoor and Balaramapuram. This ambitious development is in line with the state government's recently approved logistics park policy, which also includes the acquisition of around 600 hectares of land through a land pooling arrangement. The land pooling system is designed to minimize resistance to acquisition by offering landowners tangible benefits in exchange for their cooperation.

In conjunction with these developments, awareness campaigns are being conducted in the local communities, particularly in Venganoor. These campaigns aim to inform residents about the positive impacts of the project, such as job creation and the overall regional development expected from the port and its associated logistics parks. The government hopes that by educating the public, they will be able to alleviate concerns and gain community support, particularly regarding the land pooling system, which remains a sensitive issue.

A senior official involved in the project remarked that the government is planning to formalize specific rules and regulations for the logistics parks, including land acquisition protocols. However, this process is expected to take some time. In the meantime, the state is focusing on ensuring that landowners are fully informed and understand the potential benefits of the project. One of the conditions being proposed is that at least 70% of landowners in a given area must agree to the acquisition before any land is officially acquired. This threshold is designed to ensure broad community support and reduce the likelihood of opposition to the project.

Once operational, the logistics parks are expected to be a major asset for private businesses that will rely on the efficient transportation of goods to and from the Vizhinjam port. This will be facilitated by both road and rail connectivity, with plans in place to develop a rail link between the port and Balaramapuram railway station. Additionally, the government has announced the construction of a 629-kilometer coastal highway that will stretch from Vizhinjam to Kasaragod, connecting other key ports such as Kollam and Vallarpadam. The Vizhinjam-Kazhakootam stretch of the highway is set to be developed as a logistics corridor in the near future, providing critical infrastructure to support the region's economic growth.

Currently, the Vizhinjam port operates primarily as a ship-to-ship transshipment facility, where large "mother ships" offload containers that are then loaded onto smaller feeder vessels for transport to other ports in India. However, the logistics parks will expand the port's capacity to process and move goods via road and rail once the connectivity projects are completed. This will significantly enhance the port's operational efficiency and broaden its role in the regional and national supply chain network.

The state government is keen to emphasize the wide-ranging benefits of the project. Beyond its direct impact on port operations, the logistics parks are expected to attract numerous ancillary businesses, such as warehousing, packaging, and transportation services, which will further stimulate economic activity in the area. These businesses will not only support the movement of goods in and out of the port but also process goods imported from or exported to other regions.

The state government's plans to establish logistics parks in Vizhinjam and the surrounding areas represent a significant investment in the region's economic future. The combination of infrastructure development, community engagement, and business opportunities presents a promising outlook for the region. While challenges remain-particularly regarding land acquisition and community buy-in-the government's approach of awareness campaigns and land pooling aims to mitigate potential obstacles. If successful, the logistics parks will play a pivotal role in supporting the Vizhinjam port and driving regional growth for years to come.