About Port Department

The Maritime State of Kerala has a coastline of around 590 Km. There are 17 Intermediate & Minor Ports in Kerala. The Minor and Intermediate Ports are under the Administration of Government of Kerala.

Mission and Vision  of the department

Objectives of Government Of Kerala that are proposed to be addressed through this Port Policy are:

1. Increase the share of the State of Kerala in maritime trade of India. Kerala shall target a place among the top three maritime States of the Country in terms of cargo handled in the next ten years i.e. by the year 2014.
2. Facilitate achievement of optimal multi-modal transport and logistic chain outcomes by establishing an efficient and commercially viable water transport system. This will be achieved by carrying out a coordinated development of multi-purpose ports, transshipment hubs, inland waterways, coastal shipping, inland terminals, cargo handling and storage facilities, railways and road linkages.
3. Promote port-based and marine industries.
4. Ensure protection of environment and coastal zones.
5. Promote establishment of passenger terminals & marinas.
6. Invite and encourage private sector participation in ports, support services and other infrastructure on commercial basis in order to fulfill the objectives of this Policy.

Approach of Government of Kerala towards Investment in Ports
Government of Kerala, considering the above status and taking into account the potential, decided to initially focus on the following seven ports for development. They are: 1) Vizhinjam 2) Thankasserry 3) Alappuzha 4) Munambam 5) Ponnani 6) Beypore 7) Azhikkal.
Development of these ports would require substantial investments. Budgetary resources of the State Government are largely used for social infrastructure leaving inadequate resources for large new initiatives like ports. Annual budgetary plan of the State Government normally allocates small amounts towards putting up of basic infrastructure at these ports and marginal upkeep of existing facilities.

Private Sector Participation
Recognizing the need to develop the ports in a time bound manner, but not having adequate resources for the same, Government of Kerala decided to encourage private sector participation. The Government is committed to seek private sector investments into the Port sector and therefore create a framework for such participation through this Port Policy. State level policy interventions for enabling infrastructure development in a Public-Private Partnership format strengthen this Policy.

Business of Ports
Investment in the "business of ports" has the potential to drive the economic development of the State. Business of ports will include development and operations of port infrastructure as also port related industries.

Thrust on Port Development
In order to promote industrial activity in the State, Government of Kerala has identified the port sector as a major thrust area. Government of Kerala encourages setting up of new port facilities, support infrastructure & upgradation of existing facilities along with installation of modern & efficient handling equipments.

Private Sector Participation in Port Development & Operation
In line with the reforms initiated by the Government of India, through liberalisation, the Government of Kerala solicits Private Sector participation to bring in efficient port and related infrastructure to the state and develops them as modern and competitive ports.

• Organization  chart (PDF)

Line departments, Institutions and organizations under the department

• KOVALAM / VIZHINJAM Port
• TRIVANDRUM Port
• KOLLAM (Thankasserry) Port
• NEENDAKARA Port
• ALLEPPEY Port
• MUNAMBAM / KODUNGALLUR Port
• PONNANI Port
• BEYPORE Port
• CALICUT Port
• THALASSERRY Port
• KANNUR Port
• AZHIKKAL Port
• KASARAGOD Port
• MANJESWARAM Port (KASARAGOD DISTRICT)
• KAYAMKULAM Port (ALAPPUZHA DISTRICT)
• NEELESWARAM Port (KASARAGOD DISTRICT)
• MANAKKODAM Port (ALAPPUZHA DISTRICT)