With the completion of Phases II, III, and IV of the Vizhinjam Port by 2028, the project is expected to attract investments worth ₹10,000 crores, according to Dr. Divya S. Iyer, Managing Director of Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited (VISL). She made the statement during a panel discussion on “Economic Diversification through Port-Driven Industrial Clusters: The Vizhinjam Potential,” held at the ongoing Huddle Global Fest 2024 in Kovalam, organized by Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM).
Along with Dr. Divya, the panel included Mr. Pradeep Jayaraman, CEO of Adani Vizhinjam Port, and Mr. Anil Raj, MD of Systrome Technologies. The discussion was moderated by Dr. Jayasankar Prasad C, Director of DCSMAT Institutions.
Despite setbacks due to natural disasters like the Okhi cyclone, 2019 floods, and the Covid-19 pandemic, Dr. Divya emphasized that the project has maintained its development momentum. “We have managed to keep up the pace of construction, and with the completion of Phases II, III, and IV, we will be able to accommodate five mother ships simultaneously, making Vizhinjam the largest port in the country,” she said.
She also highlighted the government’s commitment to developing infrastructure around Vizhinjam, particularly in road and rail connectivity. In a significant development, the Government signed an agreement with the Adani Group earlier this week for the advancement of Phase II of the port.
Mr. Pradeep Jayaraman stressed the strategic importance of Vizhinjam Port for global trade. “Located just 10 nautical miles from the international shipping route, Vizhinjam is poised to become a key port in South India. South India lacks ports capable of handling large vessels, and Vizhinjam will fill this critical gap,” he explained.
The port’s completion is expected to foster the growth of various industries, including high-end pharmaceuticals, food processing (particularly fisheries-based products), beauty products, medical devices, and tourism. Mr. Jayaraman also noted that technological advancements would help address challenges related to warehousing and land availability, positioning Vizhinjam as the largest semi-automated port in the country.
Mr. Anil Raj added that Vizhinjam Port’s strategic location makes it ideal for connecting industries, particularly electronics, to global markets, including Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and other parts of India.
With the port’s continued development, Vizhinjam is set to become a critical hub for both national and international trade, driving industrial growth and economic diversification in the region.
