Trade keen on dedicated channel at Walayar for export cargo .

Kochi, April 6 The trade and industry here has reiterated its demand for a separate dedicated channel at Walayar Check Post on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border for speedy clearance of export cargo destined for Kochi port.

The demand of the industry was raised at the meeting convened by the Cochin Chamber of Commerce and Industry with the Union Shipping Secretary, Mr K. Mohandas, to discuss the “Future of Willingdon Island – Post Vallarpadam”.

Delays at check-posts

Expressing concern at the inordinate delay being faced at the Walayar Check Post, the business community pointed out that despite several efforts by the State Government, the problems stills persist in the area. Enquiries among trade sources on diversion of bulk of the cargo from Coimbatore and Tirupur to neighbouring ports have revealed that the delays experienced at the check post is the single most relevant factor.

These delays, according to the business community, result in the cargo missing its connecting vessel from Kochi, whereby, contractual obligation of the exporter with his international buyer is violated. This results in a serious financial loss and exporters losing credibility vis-a-vis possible future orders.

If the issue of the long queues and delays can be addressed and rectified, exporters from Coimbatore, Tirupur and neighbouring areas will be more than willing to use the Kochi port to export their cargo, industry sources said.

Apart from Kerala's traditional cargo, the Kochi port is dependent on cargo routed from outside the State. A major portion of the plantation crops such as tea, coffee etc. come from outside the State as also is the case with garments and refrigerated cargo.

Separate channel

The setting up of a dedicated channel at Walayar for speedy clearance and movement of export cargo is the only way in which the current problems can be alleviated.

An increased cargo flow through the Kochi port augurs well for the port, the State and the upcoming Vallarpadam Container Transhipment Terminal.

The premise on which cargo for the ICTT is envisaged is that the most parts of southern India will act as the hinterland for the terminal. This being the case, any hindrance in the flow of cargo to Kochi will adversely affect the viability of the terminal, the sources said.

Source : Business Line