The Cochin Port Employees Organization has urged the port authorities to take immediate measures for the redevelopment and renovation of Willingdon Island.Willingdon Island has been facing severe trade stagnation and employment crisis for years following the closure of the Rajiv Gandhi Container Terminal after the setting up of Vallarpadam Container Transhipment Terminal.Presenting a report at the 21st Biennial Conference, C.D.Nandakumar, general secretary of CPEO said the management should improve basic infrastructure on Willingdon Island to attract cargo vessels and fully utilise the capacity of the Cochin Port Container Freight Station. Trade unions have been consistently raising this demand for the past 15 years and have submitted several proposals to the management, he said.Referring to the request of Vallarpadam terminal operator to increase the draft in its berth basin, he said it should be considered only after entering into a sub-agreement that ensures additional revenue to offset the escalating costs of capital and maintenance dredging. Considering the rising annual maintenance dredging expenses, the Centre should step in to absorb this financial burden or arrange proportionate cost sharing arrangements between other navigation channel users.In an effort to synergize with Vizhinjam Port, the port union has asked the management to constitute an expert committee in consultation with all stakeholders, including port users for operational coordination between Vizhinjam Port and Vallarpadam Terminal for mutual benefit.It also urged the authorities to coordinate with relevant agencies to fully utilise the capacity of projects set up on port land in Vallarpadam and Puthuvype, thereby boosting port revenue.The union also pointed out that the crucial operations of the port are severely affected due to non-filling of positions vacated by retiring employees. The management should take urgent steps to fill these vacancies. Contract workers should be granted equal pay and benefits on par with permanent employees, adhering to the 2016 Supreme Court verdict.Published on July 27, 2026