Vizhinjam Port Expansion: Adani Ports Anchors ₹13,000 Crore Investment to Shape India's Cargo Future

Adani Ports & SEZ Ltd (APSEZ) has announced a whopping ₹13,000 crore expansion plan for the Vizhinjam International Deepwater Seaport with an aim to change India's maritime logistics and cut dependency on foreign transshipment centers. The project, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will expand cargo handling capacity from 1.2 million TEUs to 5 million TEUs by 2028. Here's a breakdown in detail:

 

Key Highlights

 

Monumental Investment & Expansion Plans

 

APSEZ will put in ₹13,000 crore in Phase 2, after ₹8,867 crore was invested in Phase 1.

 

The expansion will triple the capacity of the port, and it will be a pre-eminent transshipment hub for international trade.

 

Declining India's Foreign Ports Dependency

 

75% of India's transshipment cargo is currently processed at Singapore, Colombo, Salalah, and Dubai.

 

Vizhinjam will repatriate this cargo, saving ₹1,800 crore every year in logistics expenses.

 

Strategic Location & World Trade Implication

 

The port is 10 nautical miles off the international east-west shipping route, providing deep-water access.

 

It will compete with Singapore and Colombo on the basis of efficiency, tariffs, and operational productivity.

 

Sophisticated Infrastructure & AI-Powered Operations

 

Vizhinjam boasts India's tallest ship-to-shore cranes and AI-powered vessel traffic management systems.

 

The breakwater extension will increase by 900 meters, enhancing berthing capacity.

 

Economic & Employment Boost

 

The project will create thousands of jobs, boosting India's maritime sector.

 

APSEZ is also looking at overseas acquisitions, with Southeast Asia and East Africa in its sights.

 

Government & Industry Support

 

PM Modi reiterated that money of India will now work for India, giving a boost to Kerala's economy.

 

Vizhinjam was referred to by Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani as India's gateway to the world.

 

The expansion is a historic transition in India's maritime policy, making Vizhinjam a global transshipment center and securing India's cargo future.

 

Sources: The Telegraph, The Hindu, NewsX, Fortune India