Synopsis
Karan Adani, MD of Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd, has announced a Rs 30,000 crore investment in Kerala over five years, focusing on the Vizhinjam port and expansion of Thiruvananthapuram Airport, among other projects.Key Takeaways
- Rs 30,000 crore investment in Kerala over five years.
- Focus on Vizhinjam port and Thiruvananthapuram Airport.
- Plans for a Logistics hub in Kochin.
- Expansion of Thiruvananthapuram International Airport.
- Contribution to Kerala's economic growth and infrastructure development.
Kochi, Feb 21 (NationPress) Karan Adani, the Managing Director of Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd, revealed on Friday that the Adani Group plans to invest Rs 30,000 crores in Kerala over the next five years. This investment will focus on various initiatives, including the Vizhinjam port, enhancing the capacity of Thiruvananthapuram Airport, and establishing a logistics hub.
“Kerala is becoming a beacon of development and progress, and we at the Adani Group are privileged to be part of this journey,” Karan Adani stated during the opening session of the two-day Invest Kerala Global Summit that commenced here on Friday.
“Kerala’s legacy in global trade spans centuries. The ancient port of Muziris was a crucial link connecting Rome, Egypt, and China, positioning Kerala as a center for spice and gold trading. Today, Vizhinjam continues this rich legacy, placing India at the forefront of global commerce. At the Adani Group, we are excited to contribute to this new phase. Our involvement with Vizhinjam port started in 2015, under the guidance of the late Oommen Chandy, and today, it is becoming a reality under the leadership of Pinarayi Vijayan,” he added.
“Strategically situated along the world’s busiest shipping routes, Vizhinjam made history even before its commissioning by docking the largest container vessel ever to arrive at Indian shores, capable of carrying 24,000 containers.
Karan Adani mentioned that the Adani Group has already invested Rs 5,000 crore in Vizhinjam and is committing an additional Rs 20,000 crore. “This hub will not only serve as India’s first transshipment center but our vision is to elevate Vizhinjam to the status of the largest transshipment port in the region,” he stated.
He also announced plans to expand Thiruvananthapuram International Airport from a capacity of 4.5 million to 12 million passengers, with an investment of Rs 5,500 crore. “We will also establish a Logistics and E-Commerce hub in Kochin, alongside increasing our cement production capacity in the area,” he added.
Karan Adani highlighted Kerala’s ongoing transformation, stating, “The state has positioned itself as a leader in Ease of Doing Business and a global startup hub, reflecting the vision of your (Pinarayi Vijayan) administration. Beyond commerce, Kerala exemplifies a model for human development. The LIFE project has provided countless housing solutions for the underprivileged, and Kerala’s disaster management prowess is lauded nationwide,” he remarked.
He emphasized that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat, India is on a path toward unprecedented economic and infrastructural advancement.
“A prosperous India necessitates robust regional economies, and Kerala stands as a prime example of how strategic investments can propel progress,” he asserted.
“As our Chairman, Gautam Adani, emphasizes, the infrastructure sector is fundamentally about creating assets for the nation and fostering nation-building. Kerala is becoming a model of development and progress, and we at the Adani Group are honored to play a role in this journey,” Karan Adani concluded.
