Kerala's older gateway: the Kochi harbour that marks its Port Day by the arrival of a single ship

Background

While expansion work goes on at Vizhinjam, Kerala's older sea gateway at Kochi keeps its own calendar. Cochin Port is run by the Cochin Port Authority, known as CoPA, and its North End area lies on Willingdon Island. The port observes Port Day every year on 26 May, and the 2026 observance was its 98th. The day marks the arrival of the ship SS Padma in the inner harbour of Cochin Port on 26 May 1928, the milestone from which Kochi grew into a key maritime hub in India. The function is held at Samudrika Hall, North End, Willingdon Island, and is presided over by the Chairperson of the Cochin Port Authority. For the public programme a passenger ship is berthed at the BTP Berth at North End and opened for free visits, with viewing from 9 am to 2.30 pm and a government-recognised ID card needed for entry. Outstanding employees of the port and achievers from the port community are honoured at the function.