Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) officially launched the next stage of its maritime strategy on Saturday, January 24, 2026, with a committed investment of ₹16,000 crore for the expansion of the Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala.
This investment represents the largest private-sector commitment in Kerala’s history, bringing the Adani Group’s total cumulative investment in the state to ₹30,000 crore.
Scaling India’s Transshipment Hub: The 2029 Vision
The inauguration of Phase 2 (which also integrates elements of Phases 3 and 4 under a fast-tracked program) aims to transition Vizhinjam from a successful national port into a globally competitive transshipment powerhouse.
Capacity and Infrastructure Leap
The expansion is designed to handle the world’s largest “mother” vessels, reducing India’s reliance on foreign hubs like Colombo and Singapore.
| Feature | Phase 1 (Current) | Post-Expansion (2029) |
| Total Capacity | 1.0 Million TEUs | 5.7 Million TEUs |
| Berth Length | 800 Meters | 2,000 Meters |
| Breakwater Length | ~3,000 Meters | ~3,900 Meters |
| Simultaneous Vessels | 1–2 Mother Vessels | Up to 5 Mother Vessels |
Technical and Automation Upgrades
Vizhinjam is already India’s first semi-automated container port. The new ₹16,000 crore infusion will deploy state-of-the-art automation and green energy systems:
- Advanced Equipment: Installation of 21 automated ship-to-shore (STS) cranes and 45 automated Cantilever Rail-Mounted Gantry (CMRG) cranes.
- Deepest Breakwater: Construction of India’s deepest breakwater, extending 920 meters at a depth of 21 meters.
- Connectivity: A new rail handling yard to improve inland logistics and speed up “ship-to-rail” cargo movement.
- Sustainability: Deployment of green equipment, including electric vehicle charging stations and a dedicated sewage treatment plant.
Strategic Performance Since Commissioning
The decision to fast-track the expansion follows the port’s record-breaking performance since commercial operations began in December 2024.
- Speed to Milestone: In just 15 months, Vizhinjam became the fastest Indian port to handle 1 million TEUs.
- Ultra-Large Vessels: The port has already serviced over 50 Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs), including the MSC IRINA, the world’s largest container ship.
- Draft Advantage: With a natural depth of 18–20 meters, it is currently the only Indian port capable of docking the deepest-draft vessels in South Asia without extensive dredging.
Conclusion: A Model of “Cooperative Federalism”
During the foundation stone-laying ceremony, Managing Director Karan Adani highlighted the project as a prime example of “cooperative federalism,” acknowledging the bipartisan support from both the Pinarayi Vijayan-led government and opposition leaders. By advancing the completion timeline by nearly 17 years (originally targeted for 2045), Adani Ports is positioning Vizhinjam as the “lighthouse” for future maritime infrastructure in India
