Azhikkal port in Sagar Mala

The business community in Kannur has welcomed the announcement. Though Azhikkal port comes under the st-ate government, its in-clusion in the Sagar Mala project will ensure fund flow to the port.

“It is a welcome decision. Along with that, a slew of activities will ensure the smooth functioning of the port thereby boosting the business activities in North Malabar,” observed Sushil Aaron, president of the North Malabar Chamber of Commerce (NMCC).

Traders complain that though a few ships had arrived at the port, it lacked many facilities. Lack of custom’s electronic data interchange (EDI) at the port is the main hindrance.

Currently, exporters and importers have to take the consignments to Kochi for customs verification. This causes considerable loss.

“If EDI is there, coffee exporters in Kodagu in Karnataka can make use of the port,” pointed out Mahesh Chandra Baliga, past president of NMCC. Rafeek. A.K, MD of A.K. Plywoods, said that 300 containers of plywood are being imported to Kannur through Kochi port every month.

“Some 150-180 containers of plywood and textiles are exported through Kochi port. Besides, timber is imported and exported through Mangalore and Tuticorin ports. If Azhikal port is developed, all this will be done through here only,” he explained.

Another bottleneck in the port is the low depth of the port basin and channel. If the depth is increased to minimum six metres, larger vessels can safely navigate in the port.

“The need for dredging to increase the depth of the port basin had been pointed out by the vessels operators and contractors in Lakshwa-deep,” said Mr Baliga.

Azhikkal port conservator Ajinesh Maadankara told DC that in the last season, 10 voyages had been made by a ship to Kochi with a 35 container capacity in each trip.