Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala is set to accelerate its maritime ambitions with the inauguration of Phase-2 construction of the Adani Group’s Vizhinjam International Deepwater Seaport by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday. The launch marks a decisive step towards positioning Vizhinjam as India’s largest transshipment hub and a key gateway in global shipping routes.
Phase-2 development will focus on expanding container-handling capacity, strengthening port infrastructure, and advancing allied facilities essential for large-scale transshipment operations. Once completed, Vizhinjam is expected to significantly reduce India’s dependence on foreign transshipment ports and enhance the country’s competitiveness in international maritime trade.
Strategically located close to major east–west shipping lanes, Vizhinjam’s natural deep draft allows it to handle ultra-large container vessels with minimal dredging. Officials say this advantage, combined with phased infrastructure expansion, will place the port among the most efficient transshipment hubs in the region.
Speaking ahead of the inauguration, government sources said the project would be a major economic catalyst for Kerala, generating employment, boosting logistics and ancillary industries, and attracting global shipping lines. The state government has reiterated its commitment to completing the remaining phases of the project on schedule while ensuring environmental safeguards and coastal protection measures.
The Vizhinjam project, being developed under a public–private partnership by the Adani Group, is considered one of the most ambitious port projects in the country. With Phase-2 now underway, Kerala aims to firmly establish Vizhinjam on the global maritime map and transform the state into a key player in India’s blue economy.
