HomeLatestKollam Port Set for Major Infrastructure Upgrade

Kollam Port Set for Major Infrastructure Upgrade

The Union Government has formally extended its support for the comprehensive development of Kollam Port under the Sagarmala programme, setting the stage for a major maritime infrastructure transformation in Kerala.

The move signals fresh momentum to integrate coastal towns into India’s broader maritime and logistics vision, while unlocking sustainable regional trade routes and improving connectivity with Lakshadweep. According to an official reply in Parliament, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has assured assistance to fast-track the port’s upgrade, provided that the Kerala government and its maritime board submit a proposal in compliance with the guidelines of the Sagarmala framework. The Centre has already funded key infrastructure work at Kollam Port, particularly to accommodate ships of varying sizes. However, more robust development requires fresh proposals aligned with central policy goals.

Kollam, one of the oldest seaports on the Malabar Coast, has long been viewed as underutilised despite its strategic location. With the Union’s renewed focus, the port is now being positioned to handle a broader spectrum of maritime activity—ranging from cargo and passenger vessels to potential luxury cruise operations. A major highlight of the proposal includes the initiation of shipping services connecting Kollam with Minicoy Island in Lakshadweep, offering new socio-economic opportunities and tourism potential for both regions. The state government remains the primary authority in charge of operationalising the port’s growth. The onus now lies with state officials and the Kerala Maritime Board to draft and submit a comprehensive proposal that aligns with Sagarmala’s environmental, economic, and logistical criteria. Such development must also prioritise eco-friendly practices and sustainable expansion, ensuring that local ecosystems and communities benefit from increased port activity without adverse impacts.

The Sagarmala initiative, a flagship programme aimed at modernising India’s coastal infrastructure, enables states to seek central financial aid for projects that can enhance port-led industrialisation, multimodal logistics, and coastal community development. Kollam’s inclusion could potentially strengthen the maritime economy of south India, decongest larger ports, and provide employment opportunities in shipbuilding, tourism, and freight services. The emphasis on linking Kollam with Lakshadweep by sea also highlights India’s broader strategic vision of enhancing inter-island and mainland connectivity. As the Indian Ocean region becomes increasingly central to global trade and security dialogues, decentralising port infrastructure development can play a vital role in ensuring resilience and regional balance.

The successful upgrade of Kollam Port under Sagarmala could serve as a model for other small and medium-sized ports across India. While the Centre has shown intent and readiness to fund the development, the ball is now in the state’s court. A swift and well-coordinated proposal from the Kerala government could catalyse the transformation of Kollam into a sustainable maritime hub, connecting it more effectively to India’s shipping network and beyond. If implemented with precision and transparency, this initiative can significantly reduce regional transport carbon footprints while opening up blue economy pathways for coastal Kerala.

Also Read :Gangavaram Port Champions Sustainable Shipping Future

Kollam Port Set for Major Infrastructure Upgrade
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