KOCHI:
India’s first international transhipment gateway facility, India Gateway Terminal Pvt. Ltd. (IGTPL), operated by global trade enabler DP World, achieves another breakthrough in container handling. The terminal has successfully handled volume of half million TEU in 372 days.
IGTPL also handled the highest monthly volume of more than 45,000 TEU in March’17. Continuing on the path of steady growth, the terminal witnessed a 17% increase in volumes in FY’17. 
Connectivity: IGTPL has strengthened its hinterland network via various rail and road corridors. The terminal launched a weekly train service connecting Karnataka and Kerala, while maintaining the rail service between Tamil Nadu and Kochi. The Green Channel for sealed containerised cargo at Walayar border check post ensured prompt movement of containers, reducing transaction time from hours to minutes.
Exports and imports: In FY’17, the terminal witnessed an increase of over 60% in Coir exports, along with a major jump of over 200% in Apple and Orange imports. Establishing a stellar role on the global transhipment route, IGTPL welcomed a direct import shipment of East African raw cashews. The cashews were further transhipped to other South Indian ports, including Mangalore and Tuticorin.
Productivity: The terminal handled 8.5% more vessels, in comparison with the previous year, from the bouquet of 14 vessel services including 6 mainline services. The terminal maintained an average GCR (gross crane rate) of 31 moves per hour and truck turnaround time of 26 minutes, gate-to-gate.
Commenting on achieving another breakthrough, Jibu Kurien Itty, Chief Executive Officer, DP World Cochin said, “At DP World, we believe in providing smart trade solutions to our customers and stakeholders. Along with our partners, we have been able to strengthen our hinterland connectivity and venture into new regions to create an ecosystem valuable to the trade. In the coming year, we aim to further amplify our network and provide to our customers a seamless experience of associating with us.”
DP World Cochin serves as the natural gateway to the vast indust
rial and agricultural produce markets of the South and West of India. The hinterland of the port includes states of Kerala and parts of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Improved road and rail connectivity have substantially reduced the transit time and logistics costs, making it a preferred gateway for exports and imports from/to the hinterland.
In line with DP World’s ‘Our World, Our Future’ programme, IGTPL vigorously works in association with its local NGO partners, neighbouring schools and hospitals. They have undertaken numerous activities like health check-ups, cleanliness drives, road safety workshops, book distribution and blood donation drives, etc. throughout the year.
