Synopsis
Kerala's Vizhinjam International Seaport is on track to become India's largest port in the next ten years, as announced by Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal. The port's strategic advantages and ongoing developments signal significant growth for India's maritime sector.Key Takeaways
- Vizhinjam to become India's largest port.
- Projected capacity increase to 6.2 million TEUs.
- Outer growth corridor to attract investments.
- Significant historical importance as a port.
- Enhancing Kerala’s $1 trillion economy vision.
Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 28 (NationPress) The Finance Minister of Kerala, K.N. Balagopal, announced on Tuesday that the Vizhinjam International Seaport, managed by Adani Ports, is on track to emerge as India’s largest port within the coming decade.
During his address at the Vizhinjam Conclave 2025 and Global Investment Summit in the state capital, he emphasized the port's potential to significantly enhance India’s position in the global shipping and logistics arena.
This summit, organized by the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) in collaboration with the Trivandrum Chamber of Commerce and Industry, convened vital stakeholders to deliberate on the strategic significance and future growth of Vizhinjam.
“Vizhinjam is set to transform India’s maritime industry with its natural deep-water features, boasting depths of 18 to 25 meters and its location near international shipping routes, enabling it to accommodate the largest vessels worldwide,” stated Balagopal.
The port currently manages approximately one million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), with a projected capacity increase to 6.2 million TEUs, which will allow it to manage 15 percent of India’s container transshipment traffic, positioning it as a competitor to established ports like Colombo and Dubai.
Furthermore, Balagopal pointed out the port’s contribution to Kerala’s ambition of achieving a $1 trillion economy. He highlighted the state’s strong infrastructure, which includes four international airports, two major seaports, 17 minor ports, and a comprehensive inland navigation system.
To improve the port's connectivity, the Kerala Maritime Board and private partners aim to develop logistics parks and modernize adjacent ports. A proposed 70 km outer growth corridor from Vizhinjam to Navaikulam will host industrial clusters with ready-to-use infrastructure designed to attract investors.
The State Industries Minister, P. Rajeev, referred to Vizhinjam as India’s new gateway to global trade, underscoring Kerala’s effectiveness despite its geographic limitations. “Kerala accounts for 4 percent of the national GDP with just 1.16 percent of the country’s land area. The outer growth corridor is set to integrate residential, commercial, and industrial areas, ensuring smooth collaboration among political leaders, bureaucracies, and industry players to foster a favorable investment climate,” he stated.
Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor praised the initiative as a landmark achievement, noting Vizhinjam’s historical significance as a port since the Sangam era in the 4th century. He also mentioned plans for a cruise terminal that will elevate Vizhinjam beyond a mere transshipment center, transforming it into a key tourism destination.
“This development will not only benefit Kerala but also the southern part of Tamil Nadu, allowing local products and services to access global markets while promoting industrial growth in the region,” Tharoor added.
