The Kerala government is now planning to develop the Azhikkal Port near Kannur in modules, as  against the earlier proposal of having a holistic development approach. The overall development of the port would have cost Rs.1,200 crore.

Expressions of interest are likely to be invited soon for distinct modules of the port development project. The state government has formed a committee, chaired by the Secretary (Ports), to work out the details of the various modules and manage the tendering process.

Sharjah-based Universal Lubricants has already submitted a proposal for constructing an oil jetty designed to handle petroleum, oil and lubricants. The proposal is currently under evaluation.

The various modules conceived include those for handling general and special cargo. A ship-repairing yard is also one of the components of the project.

Under the first module, for which expressions of interest would soon be invited, construction of six or seven berths has been envisaged together costing Rs.360 crore.

The first indication of Kerala government's plan to develop the Azhikkal port in phases was available in July 2005.

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