Container transport through Walayar checkpost liberalised

In a bid to enhance cargo movement to Cochin port from Tamil Nadu trade centres like Pollachi, Coimbatore and Tirupur, Kerala government has liberalised container transportation through Walayar checkpost, official sources said here today.
They said issues at the checkpost have now been resolved by Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy at a meeting convened by him last month.
The state government has now instituted a Green Channel at the checkpost to speed up clearances of containers sealed by Customs/Central Excise officers and self-sealed containers from shippers pre-approved by the Customs Commissioner, Cochin Port Trust officials said.
The Commissioner of Commercial Taxes, Excise Commissioner and Transport Commissioner of Kerala have now issued orders to give effect to the chief minister's decision, they said.

In the meeting, Port Trust Chairman Paul Antony insisted on the assistance of all departments including Motor Vehicle Department for the smooth transport of container trailers in the Walayar check post.
Motor Vehicles Department said National Highway from Walayar to Vallarpadam shall be deemed to be freight corridor and that they would not subject containers cleared by the Green Channel at the Check Post to further checks.
The government's move to liberalise Walayar checkpost came amidst complaints that because of aggressive regime, trade from south-west Tamil Nadu was getting diverted from Vallarpadam, Kochi.