The first container, carrying
over 19 tonnes of rubber mats, was dispatched at around 6:30 PM on September 11
and reached Vizhinjam the same night. The shipment, exported by KP Group of
Industries to Toronto, Canada, was handled logistically by Team World
Logistics, Mumbai, with customs clearance managed by Anjeril Agencies,
Kochi. The movement reportedly
delivered savings of around US$3,000 (approximately ₹2.75 lakh) compared with
routing the cargo through Kochi Port. Kottayam Port officials said the new
connectivity could offer exporters and importers a more cost-effective route to
international markets, with businesses from neighbouring states also showing
interest in the facility. The first
container movement marks a significant step towards strengthening
Kottayam–Vizhinjam connectivity and expanding Kerala’s inland cargo network and
EXIM trade through Vizhinjam.