Vizhinjam Seaport: Next Phase of Construction to Begin in January 2026

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Ports Minister V. N. Vasavan said construction work for the next phase of the Vizhinjam International Seaport project will begin in January 2026. He said the first phase of port operations has performed better than expected.

Speaking to reporters after a review meeting at Vizhinjam on the continuation of port works, the minister said that within one year of the start of commercial operations, the port has handled nearly four lakh containers more than the projected target.

Commercial operations at Vizhinjam began on December 3, 2024, after engineers issued the completion certificate. The initial target for the first year was to handle ten lakh containers. However, the minister said that according to the latest figures, 636 vessels have so far called at the port, handling around fourteen lakh containers.

Vasavan pointed out that some of the world’s largest container ships, including MSC Turkey, MSC Irina and MSC Verona, have docked at Vizhinjam. These vessels had not previously called at any port along the Asian coastline.

He said preparations have been completed for launching the second, third and fourth phases of construction. As part of the second phase, the existing 800-metre berth will be extended by another 1,200 metres, increasing the total berth length to 2,000 metres. This expansion will allow multiple large vessels to berth and handle cargo at the same time. The existing 2.96-kilometre breakwater will also be extended by 920 metres, taking its total length to over 3.9 kilometres.

The minister said the inauguration of construction works for the next phase will be held in the second week of January. The exact date will be announced after confirming the availability of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani.

According to the revised agreement, the second, third and fourth phases of the project are scheduled to be completed by 2028. Once these phases are finished, Vizhinjam is expected to emerge as a port of global importance, Vasavan said.

He added that connectivity works for the temporarily constructed approach road are nearing completion and the road will be inaugurated soon, allowing cargo transportation by road to begin. Land acquisition is also under way for the 10.7-kilometre railway line required to provide rail connectivity to the port.

With Vizhinjam recently receiving Integrated Check Post status, the minister said new facilities linked to tourism can be developed. Efforts in this direction will be taken forward in consultation with the Tourism Department.

Vasavan also said a decision has been taken to acquire around 50 hectares of land to develop yard facilities and inspection infrastructure needed for the completion of the upcoming phases. He noted that the government has so far received around 97 crore in tax revenue from the port.

At present, nearly 1,000 people have secured direct employment at Vizhinjam. Once all phases of the project are completed, more than 6,000 people are expected to get direct jobs, while several thousand more will benefit indirectly through logistics, allied industries and related sectors, the minister said.