Vizhinjam Project Fast-Tracked by 17 Years, Major Maritime Leap for Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram: The second phase of construction for the Vizhinjam International Seaport is scheduled to commence on January 24. Originally planned for completion by 2045, the project is now set to be completed 17 years ahead of schedule, by 2028, said Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. This milestone reflects the LDF government’s determination to accelerate Kerala’s developmental progress.

However, financial neglect from the central government continues. Contrary to the usual principle of providing the Viability Gap Fund (VGF) as a grant, the Centre has imposed the unusual condition of repayment multiple times with interest. Accepting these conditions would require Kerala to repay around 12,000 crore rupees instead of receiving 817.80 crore rupees. Imposing such conditions on Kerala alone, while other ports like Tuticorin are exempt, raises questions of political bias.

Despite this, the state remains committed. Kerala is contributing to the VGF grant for Vizhinjam, and the government has already invested 4,777.14 crore rupees, including 1,726.34 crore for the breakwater, 1,115.73 crore for land acquisition, 1,213.66 crore for rail connectivity, and 123.6 crore for social welfare packages.

Vizhinjam continues to shine as Kerala’s pride on the global maritime map. Within just one year of commercial operations, the port achieved remarkable milestones: handling one million containers in ten months, becoming India’s fastest-growing port in traffic. It successfully hosted the world’s largest container ship, MSC Irena, and berthed MSC Verona, the deepest-draft vessel to ever arrive in South Asia (17.1 metres).

Vizhinjam earned the distinction of being India’s first semi-automated port. With ship -to -ship bunkering services, it has become a world-class hub for international vessels. It was also the first Indian port to appoint women as crane operators.

Upon completion of the second phase, the port’s capacity will increase from 1 million TEUs to 5 million TEUs. The 2,000-metre berth will be developed at an investment of 9,700 crore rupees, and the three-kilometre breakwater will be extended to four kilometres. State-of-the-art facilities, including a railway yard, multi-purpose berth, liquid terminal, and tank farm, will position Vizhinjam as a strong challenger to the world’s leading transshipment hubs.

By addressing the concerns of fisherfolk and other communities and safeguarding livelihoods, this project will benefit the entire state. Vizhinjam stands as a shining chapter in Kerala’s developmental history. As it raises its head on the global maritime map, it also elevates the pride of every Malayali.