Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd. (APSEZ) is planning to develop a 100-acre Container Freight Station (CFS) near the Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala to strengthen the port’s export-import (EXIM) logistics infrastructure as gateway cargo operations prepare to commence. The proposed facility is expected to play a key role in supporting the growing volume of EXIM containers at the deep-water port.
The CFS will provide a range of logistics services, including container stuffing and de-stuffing, customs clearance, warehousing, temporary storage, cargo documentation and other value-added services. The facility is expected to improve cargo handling efficiency, reduce congestion within the port premises and facilitate smoother movement of import and export consignments.
The development comes ahead of the launch of EXIM cargo operations at Vizhinjam on August 18, following the port’s receipt of final customs clearance from the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC). Until the CFS becomes operational, customs authorities have permitted only Full Container Load (FCL) cargo eligible for Direct Port Delivery (DPD) under specified conditions.
Industry estimates suggest that around 30 per cent of the containers handled at Vizhinjam are expected to comprise EXIM cargo, while the remaining traffic will continue to be transshipment containers. Initially, cargo movement between the port and the proposed CFS will be carried out by road, with rail connectivity expected to support logistics operations in the future as hinterland infrastructure develops.
