With temporary road access to NH-66 still being built, gateway freight operations at Vizhinjam International Seaport are now only expected to start by December 2025 or January 2026.

The managing director of Vizhinjam International Seaport Ltd (VISL), Divya S. Iyer, stated that plans are in motion to implement export-import (exim) cargo operations gradually in conjunction with the port’s first full year of business. “We’re planning to initiate exim cargo traffic around Dec this year,” Iyer stated. “To align with infrastructure preparedness, the implementation will be phased in. Instead of launching at full volume, cargo movement will increase gradually.

Vizhinjam port has mostly functioned as a transshipment center since its commercial opening in July 2024. An important enhancement that will increase regional and global trade is the addition of exim cargo handling. By the time gateway services start, the temporary 1.7-kilometer road connecting the port to NH-66 should be completed, facilitating container truck traffic and easing congestion.