PM Modi inaugurates Vizhinjam Port
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the long-awaited Vizhinjam International Deepwater Seaport in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Conceptualized in 1991, the project faced numerous challenges before becoming operational in 2025. Adani Ports secured a 40-year concession to build, operate, and transfer the port, with the option to extend the contract by 20 more years.
PPP agreement with Adani
A major breakthrough occurred in August 2015 when the Kerala government signed a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement with Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd (APSEZ) to develop the port. Following multiple failed bids over the years, the project was restructured in 2014 with financial viability gap funding from the Centre and strong backing from the state government. (Image credits: PTI)
Initial operations impressive
In July 2024, the port began trial operations, receiving its first mothership, San Fernando. It has since handled over 280 vessels and 6 lakh TEUs, including mega ships like MSC Claude Girarde and MSC Turkiye. Located just 10 nautical miles from the global east-west shipping route, Vizhinjam is set to transform India’s maritime landscape.(Image credits: ANI)
Advanced technology at Vizhinjam
With an 18-meter natural draft near the shore, Vizhinjam eliminates the need for capital dredging, enabling it to accommodate next-generation container ships. Equipped with India’s tallest ship-to-shore cranes and AI-driven traffic systems, it has become the country’s first fully automated port. (Image credits: ANI)
Strengthening India’s export infrastructure
The economic impact of the port is substantial. It is expected to reduce logistics costs for Indian manufacturers by 30-40 per cent, significantly enhancing export competitiveness. (Image credits: PTI)
Adani's multi-billion investment
The Adani Group has already invested over Rs 4,500 crore and plans to invest an additional Rs 20,000 crore in future phases. The expansion aims to increase the port's capacity to 5 million TEUs by 2028, creating over 5,000 jobs and driving new economic growth in the region.
Milestone for Indian maritime sector
In close collaboration with the governments of Kerala and India, the Vizhinjam International Seaport is not only a major achievement for Adani but also a significant milestone in India's maritime infrastructure development. (Image credits: ANI)