Comprehensive Guide to Visiting Vallarpadam ICT Highway, Kochi, India
Date: 25/07/2024
Introduction
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on visiting Vallarpadam ICT Highway in Kochi, India. This guide is designed to provide you with essential information to make the most of your visit to this significant infrastructure. The Vallarpadam International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) and the associated ICT Highway are pivotal to India’s maritime trade and economic landscape. Conceived by Dr. Babu Paul IAS and brought to fruition through a partnership with Dubai Ports World (DP World), this terminal was inaugurated on February 11, 2011, by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, marking a new era in India’s shipping capabilities (Wikipedia).
The Vallarpadam ICT Highway is not just about economic significance; it is also a marvel of engineering and a testament to India’s growing infrastructure capabilities. The highway offers breathtaking views of the backwaters, mangroves, and local prawn farms, making it a scenic route for travelers. Additionally, the nearby National Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom adds a layer of cultural richness, attracting thousands of pilgrims annually (Plan Ashley Go).
Whether you are interested in the economic impact, cultural significance, or simply looking for travel tips, this guide covers it all. From the best times to visit and how to get there to the key highlights and nearby attractions, you will find detailed information to plan your perfect trip. So, let’s embark on this journey to explore one of Kochi’s most important landmarks.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History of Vallarpadam ICT Highway
- Visitor Information
- Inauguration and Initial Challenges
- Economic Impact and Connectivity
- Recent Developments
- Future Prospects
- FAQ
- Conclusion
History of Vallarpadam ICT Highway
Early Conceptualization and Proposal
The idea of establishing a Container Transshipment Terminal in Kochi was first conceived by Dr. Babu Paul IAS. He proposed the project to K. Karunakaran, but the central government initially showed no interest. The project gained momentum when Dubai Ports World (DP World) signed an agreement with the Cochin Port Trust (CoPT) on February 16, 2005, to construct, develop, and operate the International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) at Vallarpadam (Wikipedia).
Foundation and Development
The foundation stone for the ICTT was laid by then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The Cabinet Committee of Economic Affairs of the Government of India approved the agreement, and DP World was granted a 38-year concession for the exclusive operation and management of the site (Wikipedia).
Construction Phases
The construction of the Vallarpadam Terminal was planned in three stages. The first phase was commissioned on February 11, 2011, and could handle up to one million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) per annum. Upon completion of the third phase, the terminal is expected to handle 5.5 million TEUs annually (Wikipedia).
Strategic Importance
Strategically located on the main east-west global shipping lines and offering a draft of about 16 meters, the ICTT at Vallarpadam is poised to become the premier gateway to southern India. It offers an alternative to Sri Lanka and Singapore for containers being transshipped for the Indian market (Wikipedia).
Visitor Information
Visiting Hours and Tickets
The Vallarpadam ICT Highway is accessible 24/7 due to its nature as a critical infrastructure hub. However, for guided tours and specific visitor facilities, it’s best to check with local tour operators or the Cochin Port Trust for the latest information. There are no ticket fees for general visits, but specialized tours might have associated costs.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Winter months (November to February) are ideal for visiting Kochi due to the pleasant weather.
- How to Get There: The terminal is well-connected by road and rail. The NH 47 C highway and the 4620-meter-long rail bridge from Edapally Railway Station provide easy access.
- Nearby Attractions: Visit the historic Fort Kochi, Mattancherry Palace, and the famous Marine Drive for a complete experience.
- Accessibility: The site is accessible for visitors with mobility challenges, offering ramps and other facilities.
Inauguration and Initial Challenges
The terminal was inaugurated on February 11, 2011, by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Despite initial skepticism regarding its viability due to Colombo port’s locational advantage and Vallarpadam’s smaller draft, the terminal managed to overcome these challenges. By January 2021, the port achieved its highest monthly throughput of over 70,000 TEUs, registering a 36% year-on-year growth over January 2020 (New Indian Express).
Economic Impact and Connectivity
The ICTT has played a crucial role in making Kochi a strategic hub for enhancing trade in the southern India region. The terminal provides fast and reliable connectivity to the hinterland through multi-modal transportation, including rail and inland waterways. Cargo from industrial clusters in Kerala and major hubs in Tamil Nadu can reach the terminal within six hours (New Indian Express).
Rail and Road Connectivity
Since 2009, Vallarpadam has been connected to Edapally Railway Station via a 4620-meter-long rail bridge, facilitating the transportation of containers from the ICTT. The NH 47 C, a four-lane highway, connects Vallarpadam to the National Highway 47 at Kalamassery, enhancing accessibility from both NH 17 and NH 47 (Wikipedia).
Recent Developments
In 2020, DP World Cochin launched a direct weekly rail connection to Bengaluru, resulting in a five-fold increase in rail volumes. The terminal offers various direct connections to Europe, the Mediterranean, the Far East, South East Asia, and the Middle East, reducing transit time and costs while providing reliable access to global markets (New Indian Express).
Technological Advancements
Significant technological upgrades have enhanced the ICTT’s operational efficiency. In December 2023, the terminal commissioned two state-of-the-art ship-to-shore mega max cranes capable of handling up to 25 container rows, along with four new e-RTGs (electric Rubber Tyred Gantry cranes) and expanded yard capacity. These advancements enable faster vessel turnaround times and sustainable cargo movement (The Hindu).
Infrastructure Enhancements
The Union Road Transport Ministry has developed a four-lane National Highway in Kerala at a cost of INR 571 crore. This highway connects the ICTT Vallarpadam with Kalamassery, facilitating the transportation of goods and enhancing the mobility of eight seashore villages. The project involved constructing an 8.721-kilometer port connectivity highway through the Arabian Sea backwaters at Cochin on reclaimed land (Construction World).
Socio-Economic Development
The new highway is expected to significantly contribute to the region’s socio-economic development by improving connectivity and facilitating the transportation of goods. The project underscores the importance of coastal and port connectivity infrastructure in a nation’s economic growth (Swarajya).
Future Prospects
The ICTT aims to emerge as India’s transshipment hub, strategically located close to major global east-west trade routes. Since its inception, the terminal has handled 4.68 million TEUs and 5,661 vessel calls, including 1,858 mainline vessel calls. In 2020, despite major business disruptions, DP World Cochin handled 6.31 lakh TEUs, registering a marginal decline of 0.35% over 2019 volumes while the south India market collectively registered an average de-growth of 11.2% (New Indian Express).
FAQ
- What are the visiting hours for Vallarpadam ICT Highway?
- The terminal is accessible 24/7, but check with local tour operators for guided tour timings.
- Are there any ticket fees?
- There are no ticket fees for general visits, but specialized tours may have associated costs.
- How can I reach Vallarpadam ICT Highway?
- The terminal is accessible via NH 47 C highway and a rail bridge from Edapally Railway Station.
- What nearby attractions can I visit?
- Nearby attractions include Fort Kochi, Mattancherry Palace, and Marine Drive.
- Is the terminal accessible for visitors with disabilities?
- Yes, the site offers ramps and other facilities for visitors with mobility challenges.
Conclusion
The Vallarpadam ICT Highway and the International Container Transshipment Terminal have significantly boosted Kochi’s strategic importance in global trade. With continuous infrastructure enhancements and strategic initiatives, the terminal is well-positioned to become a major transshipment hub in the region, contributing to the economic growth and development of southern India.
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