Vizhinjam Port Expansion: 77.17 Hectares to Be Reclaimed in Phase Two

Thiruvananthapuram: The much-anticipated second phase of the Vizhinjam International Seaport is set to commence in April, following environmental clearance from the Union Ministry of Environment. With an estimated cost of ₹10,000 crore, fully funded by the Adani Group, this phase is scheduled for completion by 2028. The company has also pledged a total investment of ₹20,000 crore in Vizhinjam by 2030, further solidifying the port's significance.
A key highlight of this phase is the reclamation of 77.17 hectares of land from the sea to construct a 1,200-meter-long container terminal, a container storage yard, and essential infrastructure. The expansion also includes 1,220-meter-long multipurpose berths and a 250-meter-long liquid berth connected to the breakwater, with additional facilities for liquid cargo storage. Importantly, the state government has assured that no private land acquisitions will be necessary for the second and third phases of development.
To facilitate reclamation, 50 lakh (5 million) tonnes of rock will be utilized, with materials for breakwater construction already secured. Sand for land reclamation will be sourced through dredging within the project site itself. Notably, environmental assessments confirm that no mangroves exist in the dredging areas, mitigating ecological concerns.
This expansion will significantly boost the port’s storage capacity, tripling its current level. The existing minimum handling capacity of 3 million containers per year will increase to 4.5 million TEUs (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units) with automation. Upon completion, Vizhinjam will emerge as the largest container terminal in South India by capacity. The port’s 800-meter-long terminal will be extended to 2,000 meters, allowing it to berth five of the world’s largest vessels simultaneously. Future berth construction will also accommodate the operational needs of the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. Additionally, the breakwater, currently three kilometers long, will be extended to four kilometers, with the breakwater arm increasing by 900 meters.
Beyond infrastructure growth, the expansion is poised to create approximately 2,700 direct and indirect job opportunities. The Union government’s clearance report emphasizes the port’s potential to significantly boost Kerala’s export-import sector. With the cruise terminal also becoming operational, the tourism industry is expected to benefit substantially.
Since commercial operations began on December 3, 2023, Vizhinjam has handled over 400,000 containers from 204 vessels, marking a major milestone in its growth. As the second and third phases progress, Vizhinjam is well on its way to becoming a pivotal hub for maritime trade and tourism in South India.