PM Modi inaugurates India’s First Automated Port Vizhinjam 

Kerala — A new era in India’s maritime history has begun with Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicating the Vizhinjam International Port to the nation. Located in Kerala, Vizhinjam will make India a decisive player in international trade routes. As India’s first automated port, Vizhinjam is setting new standards in port management and operations. It will place the country not just as a participant but as a leading player on the logistics map in global transshipment.

A Leading Global Player in Maritime Trade

Strategically, Vizhinjam fits into India’s vast maritime posture. As China is deepening its presence in Hambantota and Gwadar, India is moving ahead with indigenous infrastructure. Just 10 nautical miles from the international east-west shipping route, Vizhinjam will become an important transshipment hub, reducing India’s dependence on ports like Colombo, Singapore and Dubai. Vizhinjam’s 20-metre natural draft is capable of hosting Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs) without constant dredging.

Genesis of the Vizhinjam Port Project

The idea and efforts of establishing a deep-sea port at Vizhinjam dates back to 1991. Over the years, multiple attempts were made to initiate the project, but it faced several challenges, including security concerns, legal disputes related to bidding and lack of investor interest. In August 2015, the Kerala government signed an agreement with Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd (APSEZ) to develop the Vizhinjam International Deepwater Seaport under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. This marked a significant step towards realizing the long-standing vision of a world-class port in the region.

Selection of Adani Group

Following the unsuccessful attempts of 1995, 2004, 2008 and 2010, Government of Kerala in 2014, recognising the standalone financial viability of the project, structured the project with VGF assistance from Government of India and substantial financial support from GoK. Adani Ports emerged as the sole selected bidder and was awarded the project in 2015. The agreement granted Adani a 40-year concession to build, operate, and transfer the port, with a provision for a 20-year extension.

The execution of the Vizhinjam Port project was fraught with challenges:

• Natural Calamities: Cyclone Ockhi in 2017 caused significant damage to the construction, particularly the breakwater, leading to delays.
• Material Shortages: A scarcity of essential construction materials, especially limestone, further hampered progress.
• Agitations resulting from apprehension related to Coastal Erosion and livelihood loss. 
• Pandemic Impact: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted supply chains and labor availability, contributing to further delays.

Despite these challenges/obstacles, the Adani Group persisted, overcoming all challenges with patience and maturity, and continued to work towards project completion.

Current Status and Strategic Significance

As of May 2025, the Vizhinjam International Seaport stands as a testament to India’s maritime ambitions:

Operational Milestones: The port commenced trial operations in July 2024, receiving its first mothership, the San Fernando. In September 2024 and April 2025, it welcomed the MSC Claude Girarde and MSC Türkiye, listed among world’s ultra large container vessels and largest vessels ever visited an Indian Port. Since start operation, the Port has handled more than 280 vessels and 6 Lakh TEUs.

Infrastructure Highlights: The port boasts a natural deep draft of 18m close to shore that requires no capital dredging, Vizhinjam can leverage its natural depth to host even ultra-large next-gen container ships requiring 20m+ drafts. It features India’s tallest ship-to-shore cranes and is equipped with AI-powered vessel traffic management systems.  

Strategic Location: Situated just 10 nautical miles from the international east–west shipping route, Vizhinjam is poised to become a pivotal transshipment hub, reducing India’s reliance on ports like Colombo, Singapore, and Dubai.

Economic Impact: The port is expected to significantly lower logistics costs for Indian manufacturers by 30-40%, enhancing the country’s export competitiveness.

Future Expansion: With plans to increase capacity to 5 million TEUs by 2028 with latest technology, the port is set to play a crucial role in India’s maritime infrastructure.

Working closely with the Government of Kerala and the Government of India, the Adani Group has already invested over INR 4500 crore in the Vizhinjam International Seaport project. As India’s first automated port, Vizhinjam is setting new benchmarks in port management and operations. The Adani Group is expected to invest another INR 20000 crore in the project’s upcoming phases, creating more than 5,000 jobs and boosting the local economy to unprecedented heights.