Karan Adani, Managing Director of APSEZ, addressed the foundation-laying ceremony of Vizhinjam Port Phase 2, marking a significant milestone for Kerala’s maritime and economic future. The event was attended by Hon’ble Chief Minister of Kerala Shri Pinarayi Vijayan, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Opposition Leader Shri V D Satheesan, Members of Parliament, senior officials, and distinguished dignitaries.
Speaking at the ceremony, Karan said Vizhinjam stands at the intersection of history and the future. For centuries, Kerala’s coastline has connected India to global trade, and through Vizhinjam, this historic role is being renewed with world-class infrastructure and strategic national importance. He highlighted the continuity of vision behind the project, noting that it was initially set in motion under the late Shri Oommen Chandy, whose belief in Vizhinjam as a transformative opportunity laid the groundwork for its progress.
Karan emphasized the critical role of Chief Minister Shri Pinarayi Vijayan in sustaining the project through its complexity and scale, describing his support as “the biggest asset an investor can ask for when implementing a large greenfield project.” He also acknowledged the backing from Opposition Leader Shri V D Satheesan and MP Shri Shashi Tharoor, praising the bipartisan cooperation as a powerful signal to investors and the global community that Kerala’s long-term interests transcend politics.
The ceremony also underscored the role of cooperative federalism, with Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal representing India’s renewed maritime ambitions. Karan noted that Vizhinjam has already demonstrated its potential, becoming the fastest Indian port to handle one million TEUs in just 15 months of operations, firmly putting Kerala on the global shipping map.
Looking ahead to Phase 2, Karan shared that an additional Rs 16,000 crore investment will expand Vizhinjam’s capacity from 1 million TEUs to 5.7 million TEUs by 2029, with a cumulative commitment of Rs 30,000 crore—the largest investment by any business house in Kerala. The port is set to become the largest transshipment hub in the Indian subcontinent and one of the most technologically advanced ports in India, serving as a model for the future of Indian ports.
In conclusion, Karan thanked the Government of Kerala, the Union Government, political leaders, and the people of Trivandrum and Kerala for their support and trust in the Adani Group, reaffirming his commitment to delivering on the promise.
