Kerala plans inland waterway to connect Kottayam and Vizhinjam ports

A major inland waterway initiative is under consideration to connect Kottayam port with Vizhinjam International Transshipment Port in Kerala, creating a new maritime corridor for regional cargo movement. The proposed waterway would span 180 kilometres and incorporate 17 bridges along its length, facilitating improved connectivity between the two ports.

The route is engineered to maintain an average depth of approximately 2 metres, rendering it suitable for container barges and other merchant vessels. Journey time between the two ports is projected at 12 to 14 hours via the inland waterway, providing an alternative to longer sea routes for regional commerce.

The initiative forms part of Kerala's broader strategy to enhance maritime infrastructure and port connectivity. Vizhinjam, developed as an international transshipment hub on the Arabian Sea, stands to benefit from improved access to inland cargo sources through Kottayam, which serves as a major port on Kerala's extensive backwater system.

The project reflects growing interest in India's inland waterway network as a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable transport solution. The National Waterways Act currently designates several Indian waterways as commercial corridors, with ongoing efforts to expand their capacity and reach across the country.