Intro: Congress leader V D Satheesan says several works envisaged as integral components of the port remain incomplete.
Kocchi
Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly V D Satheesan on Sunday criticised the state government over delays in key infrastructure projects linked to the development of the Vizhinjam international seaport, saying the port cannot deliver its full economic and social benefits unless these projects are completed.
Satheesan said several crucial initiatives, including road and rail connectivity and the proposed outer ring road, were envisaged as integral components of the Vizhinjam port project but remain incomplete even after more than a decade. He pointed out that many of these projects were announced as early as 2014 with the aim of ensuring seamless movement of cargo and people, but have failed to materialise on the ground.
According to Satheesan, the lack of proper road and rail outreach has significantly reduced the port’s potential to function as a major logistics and trans-shipment hub. Unless these related projects are completed, the Vizhinjam port development will not become fully beneficial for the state and its people, he said, adding that infrastructure bottlenecks could undermine the long-term economic gains expected from the port.
The Congress leader stressed that ports do not operate in isolation and must be supported by efficient connectivity networks. Without robust road and rail links, he argued, cargo movement will face delays, logistics costs will rise and Kerala may lose out to competing ports in neighbouring states. He also flagged the importance of the proposed outer ring road, which was intended to ease traffic congestion and provide smooth access to the port from different parts of the state.
Satheesan accused successive governments of failing to ensure time-bound implementation of these allied projects despite repeated assurances. He said the delays have raised concerns among stakeholders, including traders, exporters and local communities, who were expecting wider economic opportunities from the port’s development.
The Vizhinjam port, located near Thiruvananthapuram, is considered one of Kerala’s most ambitious infrastructure projects and is expected to play a key role in boosting maritime trade, employment and industrial growth. However, Satheesan warned that without completing the supporting infrastructure, the port’s strategic advantages may not be fully realised.