The Cochin Port Trust which currently handles cotton imported in containers from different countries. But, it did not allow re-export of the cotton that was not used in the domestic market here. It is expected to have facilities soon at its special economic zone for re-export of cotton. A.V. Ramana, Deputy Chairman of the port, said that the Chief Commissioner of Customs was finalising the proposal to introduce the facility as done at Thoothukudi.

Mr. Ramana said that there was a proposal to have rail connectivity between Bengaluru and Kochi for movement of goods for shipment. This could be connected to Coimbatore too.

The transit cost is heavy for road movement of goods compared to rail. However, if the distance is short, rail movement would be expensive. One of the main challenges for the exporters here to move goods to Cochin Port by road was the Walayar check post. With introduction of GST, the check post has been removed. Hence, the trade would prefer road.

However, by providing in-land, rail connectivity export containers in this region could be consolidated and moved to the port. The details for this are being worked out.

Volume of goods from this region handled at the Cochin port increased by 30 % to 35 % and this year a 50 % growth is expected.

Regarding coastal connectivity, mother vessels come to different ports and the goods imported or exported could be moved from one port to another through coastal connectivity. It is economical to move by sea. Hence, this segment should grow.

P. Nageshwara Rao, Chief Commissioner - Customs and Central Excise, urged the trade and industry here to make use of the Cochin Port as it was closer to the industrial hub here compared to other ports.

According to textile industry sources here, a similar facility is expected at Chennai port too. This would bring down the shipment time and cost for cotton importers here.