Kerala government is looking at inaugurating the second phase of Vizhinjam International Seaport development during mid-January.

The Port Minister V.N.Vasavan, after reviewing performance of the terminal, said the opening the second, third and fourth phases of construction would see an investment of ?9,700 crore by Adani Vizhinjam Port Pvt. Ltd. (AVPPL). In the second phase development, the existing 800-m berth will be increased by 1,200 meters to 2,000 m, while the 2.96-kilometre breakwater will also be increased by another 920 m.

With the launch of the commercial operations on December 3, 2024, the port has handled 13.25 lakh TEUs by handling 636 ships. The port also contributed around ?97 crore to the exchequer by way of tax. Vizhinjam has also become the first port in India to handle cargo with more than 40 ultra-large container ships with a length of 399 m during this period, the Minister said adding that more than 155 vessels with a length of more than 300 metres and over 45 ships with drafts of more than 16 metres called.

Besides, the approach road to the port from NH-66 will also be inaugurated to facilitate the gateway cargo movements to and from the port. The work on acquiring land for linking the project with the existing rail network at Balaramapuram railway station through an underground tunnel is progressing, he said.

Around 50 hectares will have to be acquired to set up port-related infrastructure facilities. The land will be used for the development of a yard, security apparatus, customs and police aid posts and so on, he added.

The State has also plans to commence cruise tourism based at the Vizhinjam port, and discussions are under way to arrange necessary infrastructure facilities for cruise tourism in the port. 

Source: The Hindu Business Line 

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