Beypore port is one of the oldest ports in Kerala. It is the second biggest in Kerala after Kochi and handles about 1.25 lakh tons of cargo in a year. The port had direct trade links with countries in the Middle East. It was also an important trade and maritime centre during the days of the early Arab and Chinese travellers.
Beypore is an ancient port town, located 11 km from Kozhikode. It is acclaimed for the handcrafted sea-going vessels called Urus which generally sail on the sea routes to the Arab countries.
Visitors are allowed to enter the port on payment of an entry fee. An old cannon points outwards at the gate. A blue-painted two-storey structure at the entrance is the centre for controlling the movement of vehicles and people.
Cargo Handling in Beypore Port
Beypore Port handles general bulk cargo. The nearest competing ports are in Kochi and New Mangalore. The closest airport is Calicut International Airport (21.7 km).
The port handles an average of 1.25 lakh tons of cargo annually. In operation I saw a big tower crane which looked like a recent acquisition. While I was there, a few ships were were being loaded with cargo.
Passenger Ships
The port handles 10,000 passengers per annum. Ships operate from Beypore to Lakshadweep islands. Shipping services are the lifeline for the people of Lakshadweep.
Beypore Port was commissioned on 26 April 1974 by Sri C. Achutha Menon, the then Chief Minister of Kerala. You will see a commemorative plaque in front of the Port Office.
Limitations
The port has area limitations. The wharf and approach channel have a depth of 5 metres. The port will undergo development in stages. Facilities like tugs, storage shed and cranes are already in place.
Getting There
Beypore Port is located on the Arabian Sea coast of Kerala, midway between the two major ports of Kochi and New Mangalore. The nearest railway station is Feroke, 4 km. Calicut International Airport is a drive 0f 40 min (22.1 km). Bangalore to Beypore Port by road is 8 hr 22 min via NH 766 (365 km).
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