However, there have been several developments that have raised the importance of Kollam Port in relation to the maritime infrastructure of the state. As plans are made to build modern ports with improved cargo handling and possibly passenger and cruise ships, the future of Kollam Port is expected to become bright. On 14 February 2026, the decision to develop Kollam Port using the PPP model was taken by the Kerala Cabinet. The portal, Keralaports, keeps you updated with the latest updates on the state’s ports and maritime industry.

What Are the Latest Kollam Port Development Plans?

The creation of the Kollam Port can be attributed to the attempts by the state of Kerala to develop its network of minor ports, which would enable it to have better maritime connectivity.

The development of the Kollam Port is being overseen by the Kerala Maritime Board, and the same will take care of the planning for development that would suit the potential of the port.

In February 2026, the state Cabinet decided to use PPP for developing the Kollam and Beypore ports. DPRs will guide the approach towards developing each port.

There were plans for developing Kollam Port as a satellite port for the Vizhinjam International Seaport in September 2026.

For more details, read our article on the Kollam Port Multi-Purpose Berth Project.

Cargo Handling and Infrastructure Improvements

The handling of cargo is another important area that needs to be considered during the development process at the Kollam Port. Improved wharfs, cargo storage space, and transportation links can improve the movement of the products from one place to another.

According to the Kerala Maritime Board, there are already wharf facilities in the Kollam Port that include a multipurpose wharf which was finished in 2019.

Important development priorities include:

• Multipurpose berth facilities: Improving infrastructure for passenger and cargo operations.
• Cargo storage and logistics: Strengthening facilities for storing and transferring goods.
• Channel depth and navigation: Assessing dredging requirements to accommodate suitable vessels safely.
• Road connectivity: Improving the movement of cargo between the port, warehouses and regional markets.
• Private investment: Encouraging participation in port operations and supporting infrastructure.

The final scope and timeline of proposed improvements will depend on project planning, approvals and implementation.

Can Kollam Port Support Vizhinjam International Seaport?

Connection between the Kollam Port and the Vizhinjam International Seaport is emerging as a significant element in the port development strategy of the state of Kerala.

Vizhinjam is strategically located adjacent to international shipping routes and has the capacity to accommodate an increase in the volume of containers. In contrast, Kollam may offer assistance to the entire maritime system by acting as a regional cargo handling port and so on.

The development of the satellite port Kollam is not necessarily going to bring about competition for the port of Vizhinjam.

Potential benefits include:

• Better distribution of cargo-handling activities.
• More opportunities for coastal shipping.
• Improved connections between ports and regional industries.
• Greater demand for warehousing and transport services.
• Additional employment opportunities in maritime-related businesses.

Read our related update: Kollam Port to Become Vizhinjam’s Satellite Port.

Cruise Services and Passenger Shipping Opportunities

The third sector that may have growth prospects at the port of Kollam is passenger ship and cruise business. The government of Kerala has considered various opportunities related to the operations of passenger ships and cruises between Kerala and the Middle East, among others.

Indeed, the government through the Kerala Maritime Board has invited expressions of interest from companies considering passenger ships and cruises from the Gulf countries to Kerala. This kind of service would give an alternative transport service for the NRIs living abroad.

The existing passenger-cargo facilities at Kollam port give a basis for further thinking about passenger facilities. However, there is a need for commercially viable plans for operation of cruise ships with regard to immigration, customs clearance and other matters.

In this case, the cruise business should be considered a development activity as opposed to a regular service.

For official information, visit the Kerala Maritime Board’s passenger ships and cruises page.

How Better Connectivity Could Benefit Local Businesses

Port development can create opportunities beyond the waterfront. When cargo facilities are supported by reliable road transport, storage infrastructure and inland waterways, businesses can access more efficient ways to move goods.

Potential beneficiaries include freight forwarders, logistics providers, warehouse operators, transport companies, exporters, importers and marine service providers.

Kollam’s connection with National Waterway 3 is also relevant. The waterway forms part of Kerala’s inland transport network and connects Kollam with other important locations along the West Coast Canal system. Improvements to navigation and supporting infrastructure could strengthen the role of inland water transport in regional logistics.

Learn more about National Waterway 3 through the Inland Waterways Authority of India.

What Lies Ahead for Kollam Port?

The future of the Kollam Port lies in how well the development projects are implemented into actual infrastructure and services. Among those that should be noted are the success of the PPP planning process, the improvement of the multipurpose berths, cargo handling capacity, navigation, and the viability of passenger and cruise services.

Coordination efforts among the different parties like the government bodies, investors, transportation companies, and local businesses would be essential in meeting these objectives.

With the continuous expansion of the maritime network of the state of Kerala, the Kollam Port could prove to be an important regional port serving cargo and tourists alike.

Conclusion

The Kollam Port Development Project comes in line with the state of Kerala’s larger plans for better port infrastructure and development in the field of coastal shipping and cargo/passenger handling facilities. With the development through the PPP model being approved in principle and increasing interest in the potential that it may have along with Vizhinjam, the Kollam Port project is a crucial one to watch out for.

Keralaport ensures that their readers are up-to-date with the latest Kerala port news, infrastructure developments and maritime happenings. Find out more at Keralaports.com.

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