Kerala is presently on the lookout for attracting a sizeable proportion of the estimated incoming container traffic in the near future. Therefore, it is not leaving any stone unturned to achieve the best possible result.
In this context, Phillip M, managing director of Exclusive Shipping, a Mangalore based small-sized shipping and logistic service provider, said, “With cargo traffic estimated to rise rapidly in the coming days, it is necessary to undertake developmental work at Indian ports as most are bogged down with capacity crunch.”
Speaking to media-persons during his visit to the port, Mr Babu said a meeting would be held in the capital on January 12, 2012, during which the recommendations of the consultant for the port’s development would be deliberated upon. Ports secretary, Law secretary and the Ports director would attend the meeting. Deloitte India, the consultant for the project, has submitted its report on the works estimated at Rs 418 crore. The government had allotted Rs 26 lakh for the development of the road to the port.
Dredging
Dredging work for increasing the depth of the ship channel and mouth at the port is also expected to commence soon. According to Mr Babu, dredging vessel Sindhuraj of the Kerala State Maritime Development Corporation would start the work.
Vessel operators and contractors in Lakshadweep had expressed that the Azhikkal port would be their preferred destination if dredging work had commenced in the basin to increase the depth of the channel and mouth. More cargo operators would be interested in berthing at Azhikkal port if the channel had a minimum 4.5-metre depth for the safe navigation of incoming vessels.
Priyanka Roy Chowdhury |
An additional 10 acres of land will be acquired for the development of the Azhikkal port, announced Ports and Excise minister for Kerala, K Babu, recently. A whopping Rs 418 crore will be invested in the developmental project for the port. 
