The second phase of expansion at Vizhinjam International Port is set to begin in the second week of January, marking a major milestone in the port’s rapid scale-up as a global transshipment hub. Kerala Ports Minister V N Vasavan announced the development following a review meeting, adding that the exact start date will be finalised after consultations with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the Adani Group.

Preparatory work for the upcoming construction phases has already been completed. The expansion is part of a Rs 10,000-crore investment by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd. (APSEZ), aimed at significantly enhancing the port’s infrastructure and operational capability. Under Phase 2, the existing 800-metre berth will be extended by 1,200 metres to create a 2,000-metre continuous berth, enabling multiple ultra-large container vessels to be handled simultaneously.

The port’s 2.96-km breakwater will also be lengthened by 920 metres, taking its total length to over 3.9 km. As per the revised contract, Phases II to IV must be completed by 2028, a sharp acceleration from the earlier deadline of 2045.

The minister said the temporary approach road has been completed and will be inaugurated in January, allowing road-based cargo movement. Vizhinjam has also received Inland Container Port/Depot (ICP) status, alongside select ports in Gujarat and Kolkata, opening avenues for logistics-led development and new tourism facilities in collaboration with the tourism department.

To support cruise tourism, 50 hectares of land will be acquired for yard development, customs and security infrastructure, while dredging will be carried out directly from the sea. Plans are also in place for railway connectivity through a 10.7-km line, including a 9.2-km tunnel. Road connectivity to the national highway, including a cloverleaf interchange, has already been approved.

Vizhinjam recently completed its first year of commercial operations, handling nearly 1.4 million containers and emerging as India’s first port to receive over 40 ultra-large container ships of 399 metres in length, underlining its growing global significance.

News source: The New Indian Express