Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala state government has renewed its contract with Adani Vizhinjam Port for an additional five years, setting a new deadline for the port's completion and start-up.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan shared this news on various social media platforms, announcing that a new agreement has been signed with Adani Vizhinjam Port Pvt Ltd to prolong the project timeline.
He mentioned, "We have finalized a new agreement with Adani Vizhinjam Port Pvt Ltd to extend the project duration by 5 years, aiming for the port's inauguration by December."
This extension is in the backdrop of the nearing completion of the project's second and third phases, which are projected to be fully operational by 2028. As part of this expansion, the port is set to receive an investment of Rs 10,000 crore, significantly enhancing its operational capacity.
Upon completion, the port's capacity for handling containers will rise to 30 lakh TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units), establishing it as a major player in the international trade network.
Vijayan further stated, "As the second and third phases approach completion by 2028, an investment of Rs 10,000 crore will be injected, increasing the port's capacity to 30 lakh TEU. This achievement underscores our dedication to a comprehensive agreement with Adani for a 5-year extension of the Vizhinjam Port contract."
Adani Vizhinjam Port is recognized as India's premier automated port, boasting cutting-edge infrastructure and facilities, designed to accommodate large vessels, thanks to its advanced container handling technology and superior automation and IT systems.
Situated near the renowned Kovalam beach, the Vizhinjam seaport enjoys direct water links to numerous regional and international ports, marking it as the inaugural transshipment port in the nation.
This port, built under a public-private partnership model, commenced construction in 2016. The project was awarded to APSEZ on December 5, 2015, following the agreement between the Government of Kerala and Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Ltd. (AVPPL) on August 17, 2015.
