Vizhinjam Port Fast-Tracks Expansion, Phase Two to Be Inaugurated on January 24

By Admin

23 Jan, 2026

Kerala’s ambitious maritime vision is taking a major leap forward as the second phase of the Vizhinjam International Seaport is set to be inaugurated on January 24 at 4 pm by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Kerala Minister for Ports V. Vasavan has described Vizhinjam as a powerful symbol of the state’s development, rapidly evolving into India’s largest transshipment hub.

Project timeline accelerated by 17 years
One of the most striking aspects of the Vizhinjam project is the speed at which it is progressing. Originally scheduled for completion by 2045, the entire port is now expected to be realised by 2028. This acceleration has been made possible through proactive, development-oriented interventions by the Kerala government. Under the Supplementary Concession Agreement signed in 2023, the second, third and fourth phases are being implemented together—bringing the project nearly 17 years ahead of schedule.

Strong operational performance in first year
Within just one year of commencing operations, Vizhinjam has already handled 15.13 lakh TEUs from 710 vessels, reflecting strong confidence from global shipping lines. Direct shipping services connecting major ports in Europe, America, Africa and Asia have started in a short span, positioning Vizhinjam as a strategic commercial gateway for South Asia and a key node in global maritime trade.

Phase Two expansion and capacity boost
Vizhinjam, India’s first fully automated port, became operational with Phase One on December 3, 2024, with an annual handling capacity of 1 million TEUs. Phase Two will increase this capacity fivefold to 5 million TEUs. As part of the expansion, the berth length will be extended from 800 metres to 2,000 metres, while the breakwater will be lengthened from 3 km to 4 km, significantly improving safety and operational efficiency.

New infrastructure and investment scale
Phase Two will bring major infrastructure additions, including a railway yard, multipurpose berth, liquid terminal and tank farm. The total investment for this phase is estimated at ₹9,700 crore. Once completed, the port will support both import and export of containers, with container movement enabled by road and rail, strengthening multimodal logistics connectivity.

Logistics strength, storage and automation
With no additional land acquisition required, 55 hectares will be reclaimed from the sea for expansion. Container yard capacity will rise from 35,000 containers to 1 lakh containers. The total number of cranes will increase to 100, including 30 ship-to-shore cranes and 70 yard cranes. A straight berth length of 2 km will make Vizhinjam India’s largest straight-berth port, capable of handling four mother ships simultaneously.

Tourism, bunkering and economic impact
A dedicated cruise terminal is also planned, allowing large passenger vessels to dock and boosting tourism and allied economic activity in Kerala. The proposed liquid terminal will enable large ships to refuel during long-haul voyages, attracting increased bunkering traffic due to Vizhinjam’s proximity to major international shipping routes between Southeast Asia and Europe. Since the start of commercial operations, the port has already generated ₹106 crore in tax revenue for the Kerala government, underlining its growing economic significance.

As shipping and logistics companies establish operations around the port, Vizhinjam is expected to emerge not just as a maritime hub, but as a powerful engine of employment, trade growth and long-term economic development for Kerala and India.