Vizhinjam port opens EXIM lane, cuts transit time to Europe

The Vizhinjam International Seaport commenced full-scale export-import operations on August 18, 2026, marking its transition from a transshipment hub to a commercial gateway port for India. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan flagged off the first export containers at a ceremony held at the port gate in Thiruvananthapuram, launching a new phase of maritime activity for Kerala.

The event, which began at 10:45 a.m., symbolically started EXIM operations 20 months after the port's initial commercial activities began. The first container carried approximately 4,000 kilograms of Kerala food products, including banana chips, jackfruit chips, and frozen dishes like idli and sambar, destined for Valencia, Spain. Officials highlighted that this direct shipment eliminates previous costly transshipment through Colombo, potentially reducing transit times by about 20 days and saving exporters around Rs 75,000 per container in some cases.

Satheesan stated that the commencement of EXIM cargo operations marked Vizhinjam's transformation into a fully operational port and opened a new gateway for the state's development and global trade. He noted that Vizhinjam is the first port in India to deploy an...