In a boost to India’s maritime ambitions, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate Phase 2 construction of the Adani-owned Vizhinjam Seaport this Friday. Ports Minister V.N. Vasavan shared the news, signaling a game-changer for the state’s economy.
The Rs 9,700 crore project will skyrocket container handling to five million TEUs per year, a fivefold increase. Infrastructure upgrades feature a new rail yard, versatile berth, liquid terminal, and tank farm. Berth extension to 2,000 meters and a four-km breakwater will enable handling of ultra-large container vessels.
Chief guest Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal’s presence highlights national support. Just a year into operations, Vizhinjam has managed 15 lakh TEUs via 710 vessels, linking directly to major continents.
The expansion positions Vizhinjam as India’s premier strait-berth port for four mother ships at once. A standout feature is the liquid terminal’s bunkering service, a rarity that will draw international traffic on prime shipping corridors, promising tax windfalls without new land needs—reclaiming 55 hectares instead.
With 100 cranes, including 30 advanced ship-to-shore models, efficiency will soar. ‘This phase unlocks Vizhinjam’s true potential, fueling South India’s logistics revolution, employment, and commerce,’ Vasavan declared.
Kerala’s strategic location near global routes makes this a pivotal step toward becoming a transshipment titan, rivaling international giants.