Kerala gears up for Phase II commissioning of Vizhinjam International Seaport by mid-January
THIRUVANTHAPURAM : The Kerala Government is set to inaugurate Phase II of the Vizhinjam International Seaport project by mid-January, marking a significant milestone in the expansion of the state’s flagship maritime infrastructure initiative.
Following a review of the terminal’s performance, Kerala Ports Minister Shri V.N. Vasavan announced that the second, third and fourth phases of construction will involve an investment of ₹9,700 crore by Adani Vizhinjam Port Pvt. Ltd. (AVPPL). Phase II will focus on major capacity enhancements, including the extension of the existing 800-metre berth by an additional 1,200 metres, taking the total berth length to 2,000 metres. The 2.96-kilometre breakwater will also be extended by 920 metres to further strengthen port infrastructure and operational efficiency.
Since the commencement of commercial operations on December 3, 2024, Vizhinjam Port has recorded strong performance, handling 13.25 lakh TEUs with 636 vessel calls. During this period, the port has contributed approximately ₹97 crore to the state exchequer through taxes, underlining its growing economic significance.
The minister highlighted several operational milestones achieved by the port, including becoming the first in India to handle over 40 ultra-large container vessels measuring 399 metres in length. Additionally, more than 155 vessels exceeding 300 metres in length and over 45 ships with drafts greater than 16 metres have called at the terminal, demonstrating Vizhinjam’s capability to handle next-generation container ships.
To enhance hinterland connectivity, the approach road linking the port to National Highway-66 will be inaugurated alongside Phase II, ensuring smoother evacuation of gateway cargo. Work is also progressing on land acquisition for a rail link connecting the port to Balaramapuram railway station via an underground tunnel.
Around 50 hectares of land are being acquired to support port-related infrastructure, including container yards, security installations, customs facilities and police aid posts. In parallel, the state government is planning to develop cruise tourism at Vizhinjam. Discussions are under way to create the necessary infrastructure for cruise operations, positioning Vizhinjam as a new maritime tourism hub alongside its expanding role in global container trade.
With the Phase II inauguration, Vizhinjam International Seaport is poised to further strengthen Kerala’s position on the global maritime map, driven by enhanced capacity, improved connectivity and diversified port-led development.