Ports Minister V N Vasavan said the next phase of construction at Vizhinjam International Seaport will begin in January, noting that the first phase of commercial operations has performed well beyond expectations. Speaking at a press conference in Vizhinjam after a review meeting, the minister said the port handled nearly four lakh containers more than its original target during its first year of operations.
Commercial operations began on December 3, 2024, after engineers issued the completion certificate. While the initial target was to handle 10 lakh containers in the first year, the port has so far received 636 vessels and handled around 14 lakh containers.
Some of the world’s largest container ships, including MSC Turkey, MSC Irina and MSC Verona, have docked at Vizhinjam, marking the first time such vessels have arrived along the Asian coastline.
Preparations have been completed for the second, third and fourth phases of construction. In the second phase, the existing 800-metre berth will be extended by another 1,200 metres, increasing the total berth length to 2,000 metres and enabling multiple large vessels to operate simultaneously. The breakwater will also be extended by 920 metres, taking its total length to over 3,900 metres.
The inauguration of the next construction phase is planned for the second week of January, with the final date to be announced after confirming the availability of the Chief Minister and the Adani Group. As per the revised agreement, the remaining phases are expected to be completed by 2028, after which Vizhinjam is expected to emerge as a globally prominent port.
Work on the temporary approach road connectivity is nearing completion and will be inaugurated soon, enabling road-based cargo movement. Land acquisition is progressing for the 10.7-kilometre railway line planned to connect the port.
With Vizhinjam receiving Integrated Check Post status, the government plans to develop new tourism facilities in coordination with the Tourism Department. The minister also said around 50 hectares of land will be acquired for yard facilities and inspection infrastructure required for the upcoming phases.
So far, the state has received approximately ₹97 crore in tax revenue from the port. Around 1,000 people are currently employed directly, and once all phases are completed, over 6,000 direct jobs and thousands of indirect jobs in logistics and allied industries are expected to be generated.
Highlighting the port’s natural advantages, the minister pointed out its 20-metre natural depth, rocky seabed and proximity of just 10 nautical miles from the international shipping channel. He added that it is a matter of pride that vessels which do not call at ports such as Dubai, Singapore or Colombo are now docking at Vizhinjam.
