Kerala Port Minister V N Vasavan announced on Tuesday that gateway container operations at Vizhinjam International Port will commence within the next four months. Addressing the state Assembly, he confirmed that preparations, including the installation of container scanners, are progressing to facilitate the launch.

Responding to CPI-M MLA V Joy during the Question Hour, Vasavan clarified that while the port currently handles only transshipment operations, full-fledged gateway container services-handling cargo directly to and from the port-will soon be operational.

So far, Vizhinjam Port has received 215 vessels and handled 422,846 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units). In February 2024, it emerged as India's top-performing port, managing 78,833 TEUs across 40 vessels.

The port recently secured environmental clearance from the Union Environment Ministry for the next phases of its expansion. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan stated that this approval would ensure the port's full completion by 2028.

Developed by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd. (APSEZ) under a public-private partnership at an estimated cost of 28,867 crore, Vizhinjam Port received its commercial commissioning certificate on December 4, 2023, after a successful trial run. The state government has confirmed that the port's official commissioning will take place once Prime Minister Narendra Modi finalizes a date.

Source: Logistics Insider. In 

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