Minister of State for Shipping (Independent Charge), Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday reviewed the development activities of Vallarpadam Terminal of Cochin Port. The terminal is envisaged as the first transshipment port of India, managed by the UAE-based Dubai Ports World.

Cochin Port Trust and CONCOR have entered into a MoU for the running of weekly container train service from Irugur ICD, Coimbatore to ICTT Vallarpadam, Cochin Port. The traiCochin Port Trust and CONCOR have entered into a MoU for the running of weekly container train service from Irugur ICD, Coimbatore to ICTT Vallarpadam, Cochin Port. The train from Irugur will start on all Saturdays and the return from Cochin on all Thursdays.n from Irugur will start on all Saturdays and the return from Cochin

While relaxation of the Indian cabotage policy is being observed as a gateway of opportunities, investment in infrastructure and higher logistics costs are believed to be some of the major deterrents.

International apparel brands have shown their interests in using Vallarpadam Terminal for their export consolidation

Various industry chambers and exporter associations have urged Dubai Port World, which is managing the Vallarpadam International Tran shipment Container terminal in Kerala, not to go ahead with the proposed increase in handling charges from January 1, saying such a move would hit port users in the State.

Vallarpadam in Cochin run by Dubai´s DP World Ltd is slated to have a companion in Vizhinjam near Thiruvananthapuram as the new transshipment facility.

Shipping lines have started using Vallarpadam Terminal as a transhipment hub for empty containers.

The Cochin Port Officers Association (CPOA) has urged Union Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari and Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy to constitute a high-level committee to recommend measurers for the revival of the Vallarpadam International Transhipment Container Terminal (ICTT).

Is the worst over for infrastructure? The fact that this question lingers is perhaps testimony to the uncertainty that prevails. Unrealistic bids, bureaucratic slowdown, social groundswell, coal scam, mining scam ... the list of factors that has created seemingly unstoppable negativity seems daunting. The government mainly the Prime Minister´s Office had to repeatedly intervene to address frustratingly sticky problems confronting the infrastructure sector.