India’s maritime trade is poised for a significant boost as roadway cargo traffic from the Vizhinjam International Seaport is set to commence in January. According to project officials, trial runs involving 40-foot equivalent container trailers carrying dummy cargo have already started, aiming to evaluate the interim road network connecting the port site to NH 66.
The temporary route employs a service road and a vehicular underpass, facilitating the movement of cargo until the primary approach road is fully constructed. Round-the-clock construction efforts are on track to complete the necessary infrastructure by December.
Global Shipping Giant MSC Elevates Port's Status
Vizhinjam port has gained considerable attention from manufacturers and traders, particularly in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, following its inclusion in MSC's Jade and Dragon services. This makes Vizhinjam India’s only port with direct trade links to Europe and Southeast Asia, significantly enhancing the country’s maritime connectivity.
“There is massive demand from regional manufacturers to use Vizhinjam for import and export operations,” stated an official from Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited (VISL). “We are working closely with the Adani Group to ensure roadway cargo traffic and customs facilities are operational by next month.”
Industry Concerns Over Infrastructure
Despite these developments, stakeholders have raised concerns about the sufficiency of road connectivity for large-scale logistics. Calls are mounting for a temporary container rail terminal at Nemom or Balaramapuram. In response, the state government has allocated ₹206 crore for the construction of a permanent container yard near Balaramapuram railway station. Meetings with the Railways and NHAI are planned to address these infrastructure demands, including a cloverleaf intersection at Thalakode for seamless highway connectivity.
Inaugural Preparations Underway
Currently handling transshipment operations, Vizhinjam International Seaport is gearing up for its official inauguration. The state government has asked VISL to prepare a draft invitation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to grace the event early next year.
The developments at Vizhinjam underline Kerala's growing role in India's maritime trade and the strategic importance of aligning infrastructure and policy to meet the rising demands of global logistics.
Source: The Times of India (TOI)
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has released detailed operational guidelines for implementing the Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojna (BHAVYA), a flagship initiative aimed at developing world-class industrial infrastructure across India. The move is expected to significantly strengthen the country’s manufacturing ecosystem while creating new opportunities for the logistics and supply chain sector. Announced earlier this year by the Union Cabinet, the BHAVYA scheme carries a financial outlay of approximately ₹33,660 crore and targets the development of 100 plug-and-play industrial parks between FY2026-27 and FY2031-32. In the first phase, up to 50 industrial parks will be selected through a challenge-based competitive process involving states and industrial development agencies. The newly released guidelines outline the eligibility criteria, financing structure, implementation framework, and evaluation parameters for participating projects. The scheme is designed to provide pre-approved land, trunk infrastructure, multimodal connectivity, and integrated utilities, allowing manufacturers to establish operations with minimal delays. This approach is expected to reduce project gestation periods and improve India’s competitiveness in global supply chains. A major focus of BHAVYA is the creation of investment-ready industrial ecosystems aligned with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan. By integrating road, rail, port, and logistics connectivity into industrial development, the programme seeks to address long-standing infrastructure bottlenecks that have impacted manufacturing efficiency and freight movement in the country. The National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC) will anchor the implementation of the scheme under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP). According to DPIIT, industrial parks developed under BHAVYA will feature streamlined approval mechanisms, including single-window clearances and investor facilitation systems, aimed at improving ease of doing business. Industry observers believe the scheme could emerge as a catalyst for large-scale manufacturing investments, particularly in sectors such as electronics, automotive, textiles, chemicals, and renewable energy. The development of integrated industrial clusters is also expected to generate significant demand for warehousing, multimodal logistics, cold chain infrastructure, and last-mile connectivity solutions. From a supply chain perspective, BHAVYA is likely to support the decentralisation of manufacturing activity beyond traditional industrial hubs. With industrial parks proposed across multiple states, logistics providers may witness increased opportunities in regional freight movement, inland container operations, and value-added warehousing services. The guidelines further emphasise sustainability, digital infrastructure, and future-ready industrial planning. Parks will be encouraged to adopt green infrastructure standards, smart utility management systems, and resilient logistics planning to attract both domestic and global investors. As India intensifies efforts to position itself as a global manufacturing and export hub, the BHAVYA scheme is being viewed as a strategic step toward building integrated industrial and logistics ecosystems capable of supporting long-term economic growth. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 https://cargoconnect.co.in/ 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!Top of Form
DP World, a leading UAE-based port and logistics firm, is considering investing over $1 billion to enhance port infrastructure in Peru, according to the Peruvian government. The announcement followed discussions between Peru's President Dina Boluarte and DP World CEO Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem. The proposed investment aims to create jobs and boost the nation's agricultural exports, the Peruvian government shared on social platform X. DP World currently operates the Callao port terminal, the largest port in Peru, situated along the central coast. In a statement, DP World's Peru office confirmed it is "evaluating opportunities to deploy more investments" in its local operations, though specific figures have not been disclosed. The expansion would further solidify the firm's presence in the region and support Peru's economic growth.
Chaitanya Projects Consultancy has been appointed by the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) to oversee the creation of transformative integrated manufacturing and logistics clusters (IMLCs) spanning 5,490 hectares. These clusters will be strategically positioned along five key expressways: Ganga, Bundelkhand, Agra-Lucknow, Gorakhpur Link, and Purvanchal Expressways, with the aim of revolutionising the state’s industrial and logistical framework. The initiative is set to significantly boost infrastructure, attract substantial investments, and generate thousands of employment opportunities. The IMLCs will be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced road and rail connectivity, and reliable power supply, fostering an ideal environment for both manufacturing and logistics operations. Chaitanya Projects Consultancy is tasked with leading several crucial development phases. This includes formulating a comprehensive master plan and project schedule, conducting technical and financial assessments, and developing detailed land zoning plans. The consultancy will also create integrated engineering solutions for essential infrastructure, such as roads and utilities, and will oversee the construction process to ensure both quality and timely completion. The planned clusters will be powered by dependable energy sources and supported by robust social infrastructure, providing a globally competitive setting that encourages business growth and innovation. This collaboration between Chaitanya Projects Consultancy and UPEIDA is expected to drive significant advancements in Uttar Pradesh’s industrial and logistical sectors, positioning the state as a leader in economic development.