Kerala Vizhinjam Port Phase 2 Launched; Adani to Invest ₹16,000 Crore
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurates second phase of Vizhinjam International Seaport, targeting completion by 2028—17 years ahead of schedule.
Work on the second phase of the Vizhinjam International Seaport officially began on Saturday, marking a major milestone in Kerala’s infrastructure growth. Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ) announced a massive investment of ₹16,000 crore for this phase, significantly accelerating the project’s timeline.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who inaugurated the construction, described the port as a “dream of decades” and a powerful response to critics who claim Kerala cannot execute large-scale development. He highlighted how the port has already become the state’s financial backbone after Phase 1, ending Kerala’s long dependence on external agencies for goods transport.
Vijayan noted that despite starting under the previous UDF government, the LDF administration successfully overcame challenges like natural calamities and the pandemic to bring the project to its current stage. The state invested over ₹5,500 crore in Phase 1—the highest by any state in the sector—creating thousands of jobs and spurring regional development.
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With Phase 2 completion targeted for 2028 (well ahead of the original 2045 deadline), Vizhinjam is set to evolve from a national transshipment terminal into a major international hub capable of serving Africa and the Middle East. Key expansions include extending the breakwater from 2.96 km to 3.88 km and the container berth from 800 m to 2,000 m, enabling simultaneous handling of five motherships.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal praised Kerala’s strategic location, skilled workforce, and institutional strength, positioning it as a key maritime and logistics hub on India’s western coast. Adani Ports MD Karan Adani noted that Vizhinjam has already become India’s fastest port to handle one million TEU containers.
The event was attended by Ports Minister V N Vasavan, several state ministers, Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan, and other dignitaries.
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