Vizhinjam Port: A Milestone in Kerala’s Growth

Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 24: Karan Adani, Managing Director of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), announced during Saturday’s foundation stone-laying ceremony for Vizhinjam Port Phase-2 that this project represents the largest private investment commitment in Kerala’s history. An additional Rs 16,000 crore investment will bring the total to Rs 30,000 crore.

Addressing attendees at the event, Adani highlighted that Vizhinjam International Seaport has rapidly gained global recognition since commencing operations. The facility achieved the milestone of handling one million TEUs faster than any other Indian port, accomplishing this feat within 15 months of commercial launch.

“Today’s Phase-2 groundbreaking extends beyond port infrastructure development – we’re amplifying national capabilities,” Adani stated. The expansion project will increase the port’s capacity from one million TEUs to 5.7 million TEUs by 2029.

Adani emphasized the port’s strategic significance, noting that Vizhinjam is positioned to become the Indian subcontinent’s preeminent transhipment hub and a world-class maritime center. “Beyond scale, this port will lead technological innovation in India’s port sector, establishing operational benchmarks for future facilities,” he added.

The APSEZ managing director recognized the sustained political support across administrations that enabled the project’s advancement. He specifically acknowledged former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy for initiating the project and current Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for maintaining implementation momentum.

“Large-scale infrastructure developments require continuity beyond political cycles. The Chief Minister’s consistent support through operational complexities has transformed Kerala’s longstanding maritime vision into a nationally significant reality,” Adani commented. He also expressed appreciation for opposition leader V.D. Satheesan and Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor’s cooperative approach.

Adani described Vizhinjam as a model of cooperative federalism, thanking Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal for his presence. “Under national leadership, port-led development has become central to India’s economic strategy. Vizhinjam exemplifies what becomes achievable when visionary planning, effective execution, and collaborative partnerships converge,” he concluded.

–IANS