The deepwater Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala is in the spotlight, as industry leaders and policymakers envision it as a premier logistics and transshipment hub driving the State’s economic transformation.
At the recently concluded Vizhinjam Conclave 2025, senior officials from Adani Ports & SEZ and the Kerala government laid out a roadmap to position the port as a cornerstone of India’s maritime trade.
With a natural depth of 18-20 m and proximity to international shipping routes, Vizhinjam is equipped to handle large mother vessels, a critical factor in transshipment efficiency. The port has handled 144 ships and 2.9 lakh containers within six months of the arrival of the first cargo ship in July 2024.
The Adani Group announced its plan to develop a special economic zone at Vizhinjam, on the lines of Mundra Port in Gujarat.
Harikrishnan Sundaram, head of container business at Adani Ports & SEZ, said, “Mundra generates ₹32,000 crore tax revenue annually and has fostered the growth of over 50 large industries, creating employment for 1.5 lakh people. A similar approach at Vizhinjam can unlock Kerala’s industrial potential.”
The proposed SEZ will integrate logistics hubs, warehouses, and industrial clusters, positioning Vizhinjam as a multimodal trade gateway. Leveraging its connectivity to Trivandrum International Airport and Kerala’s spice and seafood belts, the SEZ is expected to help step up exports and attract global businesses.
Beyond cargo handling, Adani Ports & SEZ CEO Pranav Choudhary emphasises Vizhinjam’s development as a sea-air transshipment hub. Vizhinjam’s strategic location — linking Shanghai, Busan, and Rotterdam with key Indian ports such as Mundra and Kandla — gives Kerala a unique edge in global logistics, he said.
To bolster capabilities, Adani Group is investing ₹1,300 crore in a new terminal at Trivandrum International Airport, scheduled for completion within three years. The expanded cargo terminal, capable of handling 2,500 tonnes, is expected to strengthen Kerala’s export industries, including textiles and food processing.
The phased expansion of Vizhinjam, set to be completed by 2028, will increase its annual handling capacity to 4.5 million TEU. The project also aligns with Kerala’s focus on 22 priority industries across five key sectors — defence, space manufacturing, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and medical device manufacturing.
Kerala Ports Minister VN Vasavan announced that a 10-km rail tunnel from Balaramapuram to Vizhinjam Port will be completed within four years for rail freight movement. Additionally, road connectivity to National Highway 66 is expected to be finalised within two years to boost hinterland access.
“The expansion of Vizhinjam port, along with the introduction of passenger cargo facilities, will position Kerala as a maritime leader in South Asia,” the Minister stated.
In the second phase of expansion, Vizhinjam aims to double its connectivity routes and handle more non-liquid cargo.
On Vizhinjam’s future growth trajectory, Choudhary stated, “No Indian port has handled one million TEU in its first year. We are on track to achieving this milestone, further solidifying Vizhinjam’s status as one of the fastest-growing ports in South Asia.”
The planned industrial clusters near the port are expected to boost sectors such as electronics, apparel, and food processing. Adani targets turning Vizhinjam into a logistics consolidation hub, similar to Jebel Ali Port in the UAE.
