Kerala’s Vizhinjam International Seaport project, managed by the Adani Group, is advancing to a crucial stage with the launch of its second phase of development on January 24. The state’s port-led growth strategy will reach a significant milestone with this inauguration. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is scheduled to kick off the construction activities at the port site at 4 p.m.
The event will not only mark the commencement of export-import (EXIM) cargo services from the port but also facilitate direct handling of import and export shipments, enhancing Vizhinjam’s commercial standing. A newly constructed port road linking the harbor to the National Highway bypass will also be opened, improving last-mile connectivity and streamlining cargo movement.
With an investment of approximately Rs 10,000 crore, the second phase of the project is expected to boost Vizhinjam’s annual handling capacity significantly. The port’s capacity is projected to surge from the current 1.5 million TEUs to 5 million TEUs, making it a prominent transshipment and cargo center on India’s western coast.
The expansion will involve extending the total berth length from 800 meters to 2,000 meters, enabling the port to accommodate more large container vessels. Additionally, the breakwater, crucial for safe operations, will be lengthened from 3 km to 4 km, enhancing operational resilience and year-round navigability. The development plan also includes enhancing ancillary infrastructure like a dedicated railway yard for improved multimodal connectivity, a multipurpose berth for diverse cargo handling, a liquid terminal, and a tank farm.
The second phase’s completion is anticipated to enhance Vizhinjam’s competitiveness, reduce India’s reliance on foreign transshipment ports, and stimulate significant economic growth and job creation in the area. This will further solidify Kerala’s position in the global maritime trade network.
