Vizhinjam International Seaport Officially Commissioned by PM Modi, Says CM Vijayan Marks Historic Moment

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Vizhinjam International Seaport on Friday, marking a significant milestone for Kerala in global maritime trade. Located in Thiruvananthapuram district, this deep-water port is expected to enhance India's role in international shipping. Developed by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) under a public-private partnership, the project was completed at an estimated cost of Rs 8,867 crore.

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The port's commercial commissioning certificate was granted on December 4 last year after a successful trial run. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed excitement about the event, stating, "Tomorrow marks a historic moment as Shri Narendra Modi ji, the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, dedicates the Vizhinjam International Seaport to the nation." This project represents the largest state investment in any Indian port, with Kerala's government funding two-thirds of the cost.

Key Features and Strategic Importance

Vizhinjam is India's first dedicated transshipment port and semi-automated facility. It is strategically located just 10 nautical miles from a major international shipping route and boasts naturally deep waters, making it suitable for large cargo vessels. Previously, Colombo Port in Sri Lanka handled about 75% of India's transshipment containers, resulting in significant foreign exchange losses. Vizhinjam aims to redirect much of this traffic back to India.

The breakwater at Vizhinjam is a notable engineering feat. It stretches nearly three kilometres and stands 28 metres tall, equivalent to a nine-storey building. This structure ensures smooth port operations in all weather conditions. The Kerala government has fully funded its construction as part of its substantial investment in the project.

Technological Advancements and Operations

Trial operations commenced on July 13, 2024, with full commercial activities starting on December 3, 2024. During the trial phase, over 272 large vessels docked at the port, handling more than 550,000 containers. Vizhinjam features fully automated yard cranes and remotely operated ship-to-shore cranes for efficient operations. Additionally, it boasts India's first AI-powered Vessel Traffic Management System developed with IIT Madras.

In early 2025, Vizhinjam emerged as the leading port on India's southern and western coasts for container cargo handling, managing over 100,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) monthly. A significant milestone was achieved when MSC Turkey, one of the largest cargo ships to reach India, berthed at Vizhinjam. The port's inclusion in MSC's Jade Service further underscores its growing importance.

Future Developments and Expansion Plans

By 2028, the next construction phase is expected to be complete, increasing the port's annual capacity to at least 3 million TEUs. This phase will cost Rs 10,000 crore and will be entirely funded by Adani Ports. Vizhinjam is also being developed as a multi-modal hub with direct road access to National Highway 66 and Kerala's first cloverleaf interchange to accommodate future cargo growth.

A railway link connecting the port to the national network will soon begin construction. These developments position Vizhinjam as a key gateway for trade in South Asia and a symbol of India's growing maritime strength. Chief Minister Vijayan has expressed optimism about these advancements.

The inclusion of Vizhinjam in MSC's Jade Service highlights its strategic importance. This major cargo route connects Europe and Asia via South Africa’s Cape of Good Hope. Ships will sail from Singapore to Vizhinjam before continuing to ports in Spain and Italy. This means more containers will arrive directly at Vizhinjam for distribution to other ports using smaller feeder ships.