Adani Ports to invest Rs 16k crore as Vizhinjam 2nd phase work launched

Thiruvananthapuram: Work on the second phase of the Vizhinjam International Seaport project commenced on Saturday, marking a significant push to Kerala’s infrastructure ambitions, with the state aiming to finish the project much earlier than the original 2045 deadline. Strengthening the project further, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited announced an investment of ₹16,000 crore for this phase.

Inaugurating the works, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan described Vizhinjam as a long-cherished dream for the state. He said the launch of the second phase marked a fresh milestone in Kerala’s infrastructure journey and asserted that the port stood as a response to claims that large-scale development was not feasible in the state. He noted that the completion of the first phase had already turned Vizhinjam into a key financial asset for Kerala, reducing its dependence on external agencies for cargo movement.

The chief minister pointed out that although the project was initiated during the UDF government’s tenure, its implementation was carried forward under the LDF, overcoming multiple challenges including natural disasters and the pandemic. He added that the port had generated new employment opportunities and spurred regional development. Vijayan also highlighted that the state had invested over ₹5,500 crore in the first phase, calling it the highest contribution made by any state in the sector, TNIE reported.

Referring to the project timeline, Vijayan said the port was now expected to be completed by 2028—17 years ahead of the original schedule—and that Vizhinjam’s role would evolve from a national transhipment terminal into an international hub capable of serving markets in Africa and the Middle East.

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, in his address, said Kerala held a key position in India’s maritime transformation. He attributed this to the state’s strategic location along major shipping routes, its scale of operations, skilled workforce and strong institutional framework, which together positioned it as a major maritime and logistics hub on the western coast.

Adani Ports and SEZ managing director Karan Adani said Vizhinjam had emerged as the fastest port in the country to handle one million TEUs. He added that the second phase would involve extending the breakwater from 2.96 km to 3.88 km, expanding the container berth from 800 metres to 2,000 metres, and enabling the port to accommodate five motherships at the same time.

The event was presided over by Ports Minister V N Vasavan and attended by several ministers, including V Sivankutty, K N Balagopal and G R Anil, along with Leader of the Opposition V D Satheesan and Thiruvananthapuram Mayor V V Rajesh, among others.