In a push to accelerate port-led industrialisation, the Kerala government has directed agencies to identify at least 3,000 acres of land to support infrastructure around Vizhinjam port.

At a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Principal Secretary to CM K M Abraham, officials from Vizhinjam International Seaport (VISL) and the industries department were instructed to step up land acquisition. So far, VISL has earmarked 500 acres and Kinfra 300 acres, but efforts are underway to expand this to Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Kochi.

A senior official stated, "All officials were instructed to fast-track port-led industrialization to ensure that the land parcels are available. Though there is no ultimatum, we will inform about the identified lands to the govt." Additionally, the government has sanctioned Rs 1.83 crore to appoint a consultant for a detailed project report outlining marine, logistics and access infrastructure.

Parallelly, a Rs 1,483 crore, 10.7 km Vizhinjam-Balaramapuram rail tunnel project has been advanced, with tender floating expected this month to strengthen freight connectivity.