Vizhinjam Port to launch Phase II expansion by mid-January

By Admin

18 Dec, 2025

Phase II Set to Commence in January
The second phase of expansion at Vizhinjam International Seaport is set to begin in the second week of January, according to Kerala Ports Minister V N Vasavan. The announcement followed a high-level review meeting, with the minister confirming that the final start date will be decided after discussions with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the project concessionaire, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd. (APSEZ). All preparatory works have been completed, paving the way for large-scale construction activities.

₹10,000-Crore Investment to Scale Capacity
Phase II forms a critical part of APSEZ’s ₹10,000-crore investment programme aimed at significantly enhancing Vizhinjam’s capacity and operational capabilities. The expansion is designed to strengthen the port’s role as a major transshipment hub on India’s southern coast, capable of handling next-generation maritime trade requirements.

Major Berth Expansion for Ultra-Large Vessels
A key highlight of Phase II is the extension of the existing 800-metre container berth by an additional 1,200 metres. Once completed, Vizhinjam will have a continuous 2,000-metre berth, enabling multiple ultra-large container vessels to load and unload simultaneously. This development will dramatically improve turnaround times and reinforce the port’s attractiveness to global shipping lines.

Breakwater Extension to Enhance Maritime Protection
The project also includes a significant upgrade to maritime protection infrastructure. The existing 2.96-km breakwater will be lengthened by 920 metres, taking the total length to over 3.9 km. This extension will enhance safety, improve operational reliability, and support the port’s ability to handle large vessels in varying sea conditions.

Accelerated Timelines Under Revised Agreement
Under the revised concession agreement, Phases II to IV must be completed by 2028, a substantial acceleration from the original deadline of 2045. This revised timeline underscores the strategic importance of Vizhinjam and the urgency to position it as a globally competitive deepwater port.

Boost to Road, Rail, and Multimodal Connectivity
On the connectivity front, a temporary approach road has been completed and is scheduled for inauguration in January, enabling the start of road-based cargo movement. The port has also been accorded Inland Container Port/Depot (ICP) status, aligning it with major ports such as those in Gujarat and Kolkata. This status opens avenues for expanded logistics operations and tourism-linked activities in coordination with Kerala’s tourism department.

Rail connectivity is progressing with plans for a 10.7-km railway line, including a 9.2-km tunnel, to integrate Vizhinjam with the national rail network. Land acquisition is underway, and construction is expected to begin shortly. Additionally, road connectivity to the national highway network has already received approval, including a cloverleaf interchange designed to handle high traffic volumes and commercial operations.

Cruise Infrastructure and Yard Development
To support cruise operations and ancillary services, the government plans to acquire around 50 hectares of land for yard development, customs facilities, security infrastructure, and related services. Dredging works required for berth construction will be carried out directly from the sea, ensuring uninterrupted progress of expansion activities.

Strong Performance in the First Year of Operations
Vizhinjam completed its first year of commercial operations on December 3 with impressive results. Against a target of 1 million containers, the port handled 1.325 million containers through 616 ships. As of Tuesday, 636 ships had docked, pushing total container handling close to 1.4 million. Notably, Vizhinjam became the first port in India to handle more than 40 ultra-large container vessels measuring 399 metres in length.

The port also received over 155 ships longer than 300 metres and 45 vessels with drafts exceeding 16 metres. Government tax revenue from port operations stood at ₹97 crore. A standout achievement has been Vizhinjam’s ability to attract vessels that had never docked in Asia before, including some of the world’s largest container ships such as MSC Turkiye, MSC Irena, and MSC Verona.

Vizhinjam at a Critical Growth Milestone
With Phase II poised to begin, expanded infrastructure, and accelerated timelines, Vizhinjam International Seaport is entering a decisive phase of growth. The ongoing developments are set to transform it into a globally competitive deepwater transshipment hub, reinforcing India’s position in international maritime trade and logistics.