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Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala is moving ahead with plans to develop a 20-acre cruise village to support international cruise tourism. The port operator has formally submitted the proposal to state authorities, and it is under government review. The project is designed to align with future port expansion phases and provide a dedicated hub for cruise passengers, with facilities like lounges, baggage handling, customs, and transport connectivity to nearby tourist destinations. The initiative strengthens Vizhinjam's position as a growing maritime and cruise tourism hub.
The management of Vizhinjam International Seaport has submitted a formal request to Kerala authorities for about 20 acres of land near the deep-water port to develop a world-class cruise village. The proposal has been presented to ports minister V.N.Vasavan, the ports department secretary, and the management of Vizhinjam International Seaport Ltd (VISL). Officials said the government is reviewing the proposal, and a final decision may take some time, especially with the assembly election schedule expected soon, which could delay formal approval. Advertisement
The cruise village is planned as part of the long-term development strategy of the port and is intended to integrate seamlessly with future port expansion phases. It will function as a dedicated facility for international cruise liners, offering passenger lounges, baggage handling systems, customs and immigration counters, and essential security infrastructure. A bus terminal will also be included to facilitate smooth passenger movement to major attractions in and around Thiruvananthapuram, including Kovalam beaches, heritage sites, cultural landmarks, and a local marketplace showcasing handicrafts and souvenirs.
The port's multipurpose berth is expected to accommodate cruise vessels, even though a dedicated cruise terminal was not part of the initial port expansion design. Industry experts note that this initiative could enhance Vizhinjam's role as a cruise tourism gateway, connecting to key maritime routes across the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Europe. Globally, cruise villages are designed to combine transport facilities, retail, food and beverage services, cultural spaces, and tourist information centres in one waterfront complex for visiting passengers.
Currently, India has four major cruise terminals in Mumbai, Goa, Kochi, and Chennai. The proposed Vizhinjam cruise village would expand this network, providing purpose-built infrastructure for international visitors. Vizhinjam International Seaport, developed under a public-private partnership, is India's first dedicated container transshipment terminal built in phases. Since its commercial operations began, the port has already handled significant vessel traffic, highlighting its strategic maritime importance and potential to support tourism alongside logistics.
The cruise village is also expected to complement regional tourism by offering easy access to cultural and natural attractions, including beaches, heritage sites, and local markets. The integrated approach ensures that cruise passengers can experience Kerala's attractions efficiently while supporting the port's growing operations.
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