Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Ports Minister V N Vasavan on Tuesday said the first phase of operations at the Vizhinjam International Seaport has exceeded expectations and that construction of the second phase will begin in January 2026. He was speaking at a press conference in Vizhinjam, Thiruvananthapuram, after a review meeting on the port’s progress and future plans.

Commercial operations at the port commenced on December 3, 2024, following the issuance of the completion certificate. The minister said the initial target was to handle 10 lakh containers in the first year, but the port has already processed nearly 14 lakh containers. So far, 636 vessels have called at Vizhinjam.

He noted that some of the world’s largest container ships — including MSC Turkey, MSC Irina and MSC Verona — have docked at Vizhinjam, adding that these vessels had not previously called at ports along the Asian coastline.

Preparations for the second, third and fourth phases of construction have been completed. In the second phase, the existing 800-metre berth will be extended by 1,200 metres to create a 2,000-metre berth, allowing multiple large vessels to berth simultaneously. The breakwater will also be extended by 920 metres, increasing its length from 2.96 km to over 3.9 km.

The inauguration of the next phase is planned for the second week of January, with the final date to be announced after coordinating the schedules of the Chief Minister and Adani Group representatives. Under the revised agreement, the remaining phases are scheduled for completion by 2028, after which Vizhinjam is expected to emerge as a globally prominent port, the minister added.

Vasavan said work on improving connectivity is progressing. The temporary approach road is nearing completion and will be inaugurated soon, enabling the start of road-based cargo movement. Land acquisition for the 10.7-km railway line to provide rail connectivity to the port is also underway.

He added that the port’s recent Integrated Check Post (ICP) status would help develop new tourism-related facilities in coordination with the Tourism Department. The government has also decided to acquire around 50 hectares of land to create yard facilities and inspection infrastructure required for the upcoming phases.

So far, the port has generated around ₹97 crore in tax revenue for the government. About 1,000 people are currently employed directly at the port, and once all phases are completed, more than 6,000 direct jobs and thousands of indirect jobs in logistics and allied sectors are expected to be created.

Highlighting Vizhinjam’s natural advantages, Vasavan said the port has a natural depth of 20 metres, a rocky seabed and is located just 10 nautical miles from the international shipping channel. He added that it was a matter of pride that vessels bypassing ports such as Dubai, Singapore and Colombo have chosen to call at Vizhinjam.