As restrictions are imposed on sand mining in Kerala, Kochi port may gain from sand importing. Builders are expected to depend on imported sand to meet the growing demand and Kochi port sees it as an opportunity to enhance its cargo throughput.
With idea to benefit from sand import, the port has decided to dedicate a berth for handling sand and to create an additional storage facility.
The port had earmarked a 20,000 square metre area in two places in Willingdon Island, which will be able to store one lakh tonne of sand.