Adani Ports to Boost Maritime and Logistics for $5 Trillion India Goal

Ahmedabad, Gujarat — Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) Managing Director Karan Adani has revealed a comprehensive strategy to drive growth across key sectors — maritime, logistics, and agri-logistics — with the ultimate vision of supporting India’s goal of becoming a $5 trillion economy.

Following the inauguration of the Vizhinjam International Port by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a cost of ₹8,867 crore, Karan Adani addressed the media to outline future plans that underscore the pivotal role of infrastructure development in India’s economic rise.

“APSEZ, India’s largest private port operator, is engaged in three primary businesses — maritime, logistics, and agri-logistics,” said Adani. “We aim to expand maritime trade not just within India but also beyond its borders.”

Boosting India’s Maritime Trade Capabilities

Vizhinjam International Port marks a significant milestone for APSEZ. In its first phase, it has a handling capacity of 1.2 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), and by 2028, APSEZ plans to invest ₹13,000 crore to increase capacity to 5 million TEUs. Karan Adani emphasized that this deep-water port would help India reduce its dependency on foreign ports like Colombo and Singapore.

Currently, 75% of India’s transshipment cargo is routed through foreign ports, costing the country an estimated $200-220 million annually in lost revenue. “Our aim is to bring this cargo back to Indian ports. Once shipping costs reduce for Indian traders, volumes will automatically increase,” Adani said.

India’s First 100% Transshipment Port

What sets Vizhinjam apart is its strategic focus on being India’s first 100% transshipment port — a global hub where containers are transferred from one ship to another. “We are positioning Vizhinjam to recapture Indian cargo currently transiting through Singapore, Colombo, Salalah, and Dubai,” Adani explained.

In response to competition with major ports, Adani stated, “Vizhinjam has to compete globally — not just in tariffs but in performance, efficiency, and productivity.”

Multi-Modal Logistics and Agri-Infrastructure Push

To improve overall supply chain efficiency, APSEZ is also eyeing investments in multi-modal logistics parks. These will integrate rail, road, and sea transport systems to streamline cargo movement and reduce turnaround times.

Addressing India’s grain storage challenge, Adani emphasized the need for modern agri-logistics infrastructure. “Today, grain storage is inefficient. We are evaluating the construction of silos to improve food security and minimize post-harvest losses,” he added.

Global Expansion and Vision

When asked about international acquisition and expansion plans, Karan Adani highlighted that South East Asia and East Africa are regions of strategic interest for APSEZ. “These areas hold promise for trade growth and international partnerships,” he said.