Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Vizhinjam International Seaport near Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, on May 2, marking the launch of India’s first semi-automated transshipment port.
Kerala’s Global Maritime Leap
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan stated that the port will place Kerala on the global maritime trade map. Since the start of commercial operations, the port has handled over 5.48 lakh twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) across 265 vessels.
Key Features of Vizhinjam Port
- Container-Focused Operations
The port is primarily designed for container transshipment, along with handling break bulk and multi-purpose cargo. - Greenfield Project by a State Government
Vizhinjam is India’s first Greenfield port project initiated by a state government, with a total investment of over ₹18,000 crore. - Boost to Kerala’s Economy
The port is expected to significantly contribute to Kerala’s economic development through job creation, increased trade, and investment opportunities. - Strategic Global Position
Located just 10 nautical miles from a major international shipping route, the port is well-positioned to serve as a global transshipment hub connecting Europe, the Persian Gulf, and the Far East. - Naturally Deep Draft
Vizhinjam benefits from a natural draft of 18 metres close to the shore, eliminating the need for capital dredging and enabling it to accommodate ultra-large next-gen container vessels. - Developed by Adani Group
The port’s development was awarded to Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd under a 2015 concession agreement with the Kerala government. - Advanced Automation
Equipped with large-scale automation, the port offers quick vessel turnaround times and modern infrastructure to support Megamax container ships.
Operational Progress and Achievements
- Trial to Commercial Phase
Trial operations began on July 13, 2023, followed by the commercial launch on December 3, 2024. - Rapid Cargo Handling Growth
In a short time, the port has processed over 5.36 lakh TEUs. It led cargo movement across south and west coast ports in February and March 2025, reaching a milestone of 1 lakh TEUs per month.
Future Development Plans
- Full Completion by 2028
The entire construction, across all phases, is expected to finish by 2028. Once all four phases are operational by 2034, Adani Vizhinjam Port will begin sharing revenue with the state government.
Vizhinjam International Seaport represents a transformative step in India’s maritime infrastructure, blending strategic planning, natural advantages, and modern automation to create a new hub for international shipping.
