Vizhinjam International Seaport
The Vizhinjam International Seaport, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, positions Kerala on the global maritime stage. This deep-water port is designed to enhance India’s role in international trade. Developed by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd under a public-private partnership, the port represents investment in India’s infrastructure.
Project Details
The Vizhinjam port is located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. It is India’s first dedicated transshipment port and semi-automated facility. The project cost approximately ₹8,867 crore, with two-thirds funded by the Kerala government.
Strategic Importance
Vizhinjam is just 10 nautical miles from a major international shipping route. It is set to reclaim portion of India’s transshipment traffic, which has historically been handled by Colombo Port in Sri Lanka. This shift is expected to save India substantial foreign exchange and enhance revenue.
Infrastructure and Operations
The port features a breakwater, the deepest in India, measuring nearly three kilometres. It is equipped with advanced technology, including AI-powered Vessel Traffic Management Systems developed with IIT Madras. Trial operations began in July 2024, and commercial operations commenced in December 2024.
Capacity and Future Developments
Initially, Vizhinjam can handle one million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) annually. Future phases aim to increase capacity to over 6.2 million TEUs by 2028. The port is also developing multi-modal transport links, including road and rail connections, to facilitate cargo movement.
Global Connectivity
Vizhinjam has been included in the Jade Service of MSC, the world’s largest shipping company. This service connects Europe and Asia, enhancing Vizhinjam’s status as a key hub for South Asia. It will allow direct shipments to India, improving logistics and distribution.
Economic Impact
The port is expected to generate an annual economic benefit of approximately ₹2,500 crore. It is anticipated to create jobs and stimulate local economies. The investment from Adani Group is projected to reach ₹20,000 crore, further solidifying the port’s role in India’s maritime landscape.
Competition and Challenges
Vizhinjam will compete with existing ports like Cochin and Tuticorin for container traffic. It will also vie for transshipment business against international ports such as Colombo and Singapore. The success of Vizhinjam will depend on its ability to attract shipping lines and cargo.
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