First ICD in India to begin moving Cargo

By Vikram Malik, Maritime Direct India Correspondent

The Hindu reports about Kottayam port beginning to move cargo along Kerala’s coast – between itself and Kochi. By February, this is expected to be a regular feature.

For this, a senior team from Cochin port is scheduled to visit Kottayam’s ICD today, viz. January 22, 2021. Upon satisfactory inspection of the available facilities, they are likely to grant permission for coastal operations.

Some other necessary formalities the team will complete include documentation and stacking, besides finalizing the SOP or Standard Operating Procedure for operating barges.

Alternative to Kerala’s choked roads

For those unaware of Kerala’s geography, it forms a long and relatively thin strip of coastline along India’s southwest coast. As frequently reported, the state’s roads are often choked with vehicular traffic.

Besides passengers, cargo forms an integral part of this vehicular motion.    

In these circumstances, opening up a waterway path between Kottayam ICD port and Kochi seems just the right step to take.

The way forward for Kottayam ICD

Presently, Kottayam ICD has a solitary 10 TEU barge in its possession. Therefore, the plan going forward is to run it three days a week.

Once it has its second 28 TEU barge in operation – expected over the next six months, this to and fro movement between Kochi and Kottayam will go up significantly.

Alongside, port officials are also speaking to shipping lines in Kochi, exploring the possibility of kickstarting container yards there.

Authorities also have a long-term vision to maximize Kerala’s already well-established touristic appeal along its backwaters, given the state’s credo of God’s own country – and particularly in light of the scenic beauty that this part of the state is blessed with.   

Below is a video that takes you on a fascinating journey through time along Kerala’s backwaters: