New container terminal in Kerala to use inland waterways

The first phase of the INR100 million (US$2.2 million) inland water navigation-based container depot in Nattakom, India, being built in a public-private partnership, is scheduled to be completed in six months, according to the Press Trust of India.Unlike other container terminals in the country located in port cities, the proposed Nattakom facility will make use of backwaters and canals for transporting goods using ro/ro low platforms with trolleys on barges. The project is jointly promoted by the South India Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (KINFRA). The facility is expected to promote the export of goods from Pathanamthitta, Idukki and Kottayam districts, which are famous for agricultural products including spices, tea and rubber, which are now taken by road to Kochi for export, the report said.