The work of the next phase of development at the Vizhinjam International Seaport will be launched soon. The inauguration of the second, third and fourth phases of construction is expected by mid-January.
Kerala's ports minister, V N Vasavan, said these phases would involve an investment of ₹9,700 crore by the port concessionaire, Adani Vizhinjam Port Pvt Ltd.
The approach road connecting the Vizhinjam port to National Highway-66 is also expected to be inaugurated during the same period. The road is expected to support gateway cargo movement, allowing trailers and heavy vehicles to move in and out of the port more smoothly. The proposed cloverleaf interchange at the NH-66 junction could ease traffic congestion along the route, particularly once cargo volumes increase.
Work related to land acquisition for a rail connection is in progress. The proposed plan involves linking the port to the existing railway network at Balaramapuram station through an underground tunnel.
Around 50 hectares of land is expected to be acquired for port-related infrastructure. This land would be used for setting up yard facilities, security systems, customs offices and police aid posts, among other operational needs.
The state government is also exploring the possibility of cruise tourism based at the Vizhinjam port, Vasavan said. Discussions are under way to create the required infrastructure for cruise operations.
As part of the berth construction, land will be reclaimed from the sea. This reclaimed land could be used not only for port operations but also for cruise tourism-related facilities, if plans move ahead.
The second phase of development includes a significant expansion of port infrastructure. The existing 800-metre berth is planned to be extended by another 1,200 metres, taking the total length to 2,000 metres. The breakwater, which currently measures 2.96 kilometres, is also set to be extended by 920 metres.
These changes are expected to allow the port to handle multiple large vessels at the same time and operate more efficiently as cargo volumes grow.
Since the start of commercial operations on December 3, 2024, the Vizhinjam port has handled 13.25 lakh TEUs of cargo through 636 vessel calls. The port has contributed around ₹97 crore to the government exchequer by way of taxes during this period.
The port has also handled over 40 ultra-large container ships with a length of 399 metres, making it the first port in India to do so. More than 155 vessels longer than 300 metres and over 45 vessels with drafts exceeding 16 metres have called at Vizhinjam so far.
At present, the port provides direct employment to around 1,000 people. Once the upcoming phases of construction and expansion are completed, direct employment could rise to more than 6,000, according to the government.
The review meeting coincided with the first anniversary of Vizhinjam International Seaport’s commercial operations, which was marked with a small celebration at the port.
