Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) has unveiled a massive investment plan totaling ₹30,000 crore for the development of the Vizhinjam sea port in Kerala. This announcement was made by Karan Adani, the Managing Director of APSEZ, during the inauguration of the port's second phase in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday.
Strategic Investment to Boost Capacity
Karan Adani detailed that the cumulative investment includes an additional ₹16,000 crore allocated under phase 2 of the project. This financial commitment is set to significantly enhance the port's operational capabilities. Currently, Vizhinjam port handles 1 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs), but with this infusion of funds, its capacity is projected to soar to 5.7 million TEUs by the year 2029.
Transforming into a Global Maritime Hub
In his address, Adani emphasized that this investment marks the largest ever by any business entity in the state of Kerala. He expressed confidence that Vizhinjam will emerge as the premier transshipment port in the Indian subcontinent, positioning it as a globally competitive maritime hub. "This is the largest investment committed by any business house in the state of Kerala. Vizhinjam will emerge as the largest transshipment port in the Indian subcontinent and a globally competitive maritime hub," he stated.
Technological Advancements and Future Vision
Beyond its scale, Vizhinjam port is poised to become the most technologically advanced port in India. Adani highlighted that it will serve as a model for future Indian ports, setting new standards in efficiency and innovation. "It will be the lighthouse of how future Indian ports should operate," he remarked, underscoring the port's role in driving maritime excellence.
Acknowledging Political Leadership
Karan Adani also paid tribute to the political leaders who played pivotal roles in the project's success. He acknowledged the late Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy for his foundational efforts in awarding the project and providing initial momentum. "It is only right to acknowledge the foundational role played by the late Oommen Chandy, under whose leadership this project was awarded and given its initial momentum. His belief in Vizhinjam as a transformative opportunity for Kerala laid the groundwork for what we see taking shape today," Adani said.
Furthermore, he praised the current Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, for his unwavering support and resolve in advancing the project. Adani noted that large-scale infrastructure endeavors thrive on political clarity and administrative discipline, attributes exemplified by Vijayan's leadership. "This continuity of vision has been carried forward with exceptional resolve under the leadership of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Large, transformational infrastructure projects succeed not only because of engineering excellence, but because of political clarity, administrative discipline, and long-term commitment," he added.
Gratitude and Future Prospects
Expressing heartfelt gratitude, Adani credited Chief Minister Vijayan's consistent backing as instrumental in transforming Vizhinjam from a long-held aspiration into a nationally and globally significant maritime asset. "I must admit that we would not have been able to complete this project if not for the continuous support by the Chief Minister. He has been our biggest asset that an investor can ask for when implementing such a large greenfield project. Thank you, sir, from the bottom of my heart," he concluded.
This substantial investment by APSEZ is expected to not only bolster Kerala's economy but also reinforce India's position in the global maritime landscape, making Vizhinjam a key player in international trade and logistics.
