The Vizhinjam port, a multi-purpose facility, was strategically selected for development under the Vizhinjam to 'Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision, 2047.' 

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) has announced an investment of ₹30,000 crore to expand the Vizhinjam International Seaport. The announcement came as Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, inaugurated the capacity augmentation works for Phases II, III, and IV of the project on 24 January. 

The second phase of the Vizhinjam International Seaport project

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd has pledged an additional ₹16,000 crore (about $175 million) for the second phase of the Vizhinjam International Seaport project as Kerala formally commenced Phase 2 construction in Thiruvananthapuram, according to an official statement from the company.The expansion blueprint targets annual container handling capacity of 5.7 million TEUs by 2029, up from 1 The expansion blueprint targets annual container handling capacity of 5.7 million TEUs by 2029, up from 1 million TEUs, with total berth length to be extended to 2,000 metres and the breakwater to reach about 3,900 metres by 2028. 

It is India’s next global maritime gateway

Karan Adani, Managing Director of APSEZ said during the inauguration of Phase 2, "Vizhinjam is no longer just a port, it is India’s next global maritime gateway". The expansion is part of a fast-tracked integrated development program designed to position India as a dominant player in global transshipment. Alongside the cumulative commitment, specifically ₹16,000 crore is allocated under Phase 2. The port's capacity is set to rise from the current 1 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) to 5.7 million TEUs by 2029. The infrastructure project also includes creating a continuous 2-kilometer-long container berth, the longest in India, and extending the breakwater to 3.88 kilometers.

Handling up to five mother vessels simultaneously

Once completed, the port will be capable of handling up to five mother vessels simultaneously and will be equipped with cranes to handle next-generation vessels carrying up to 28,000 TEUs. The urgency of the expansion is driven by the port's immediate commercial success. 

India's focus on building world-class infrastructure.

Since commencing Phase I commercial operations on December 3, 2024, Vizhinjam has operated at over 130% capacity utilisation, handling over 1.43 million TEUs in a short period. The capacity augmentation works are proceeding under a supplementary concession agreement signed in November 2024 between the Kerala Government and Adani Vizhinjam Port Private. This agreement has advanced the project timeline by nearly 17 years, with a completion target now set for December 2028. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted the strategic intent behind the expansion, noting that it reflects India's focus on building world-class infrastructure.

The Vizhinjam to Vision 2047 initiative

The port has already established direct connectivity with major global shipping routes across Europe, the Americas, Africa, and the Far East, reinforcing its trajectory to become a critical node in international trade. The Vizhinjam port, a multi-purpose facility, was strategically selected for development under the Vizhinjam to Vision 2047 initiative, announced in May 2025. Its location near major international shipping routes is a key asset, dramatically reducing vessel transit times and positioning it as a critical hub for maritime trade.

One of India's rare natural deep-water ports

The Vizhinjam port is distinguished by several key features and significant roles. Crucially, it stands out as one of India's rare natural deep-water ports, boasting a natural deep draft of nearly 20 meters. This exceptional depth enables it to efficiently handle some of the world's largest cargo and container vessels. Furthermore, the port is poised to become India's first dedicated container trans-shipment port, strategically positioned close to one of the globe's busiest sea trade routes.

'Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision, 2047.

The Vizhinjam port development is fully aligned with the broader 'Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision, 2047.' This national vision outlines the development of six Mega Port clusters by 2047. The Cochin – Vizhinjam Port cluster, along with Galathea South Bay Port, Chennai – Kamarajar – Cuddalore Port cluster, and Paradip and other Non-Major Ports cluster, are all targeted for a capacity exceeding 300 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA).

About Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd 

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd is an Indian public limited company engaged in the development, operation and management of ports, terminals and associated logistics infrastructure. It holds interests in multiple ports along India’s coastline and operates integrated cargo handling and connectivity services, including container terminals, bulk and breakbulk facilities, and logistic precincts, under a structured corporate governance framework.  

Sources : Others

#Adani Ports #The Vizhinjam port #Sarbananda Sonowal #Karan Adani #(APSEZ) #Vision 2047 initiative #global maritime gateway