The commencement of the full-fledged Export-Import (EXIM) operations at Vizhinjam is the opening of a new gateway connecting Keralam’s talent, India’s enterprise and the aspirations of millions to global markets, said Ashwani Gupta, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Whole-time Director, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ). Speaking on the occasion of the inauguration of the EXIM operations, he said the port’s purpose extends beyond cargo movement, serving India’s aspirations for self-reliance, global competitiveness and maritime leadership.

The Vizhinjam investment is part of the Adani Group’s wider commitment to Keralam and its infrastructure-led growth. With the Phase II investment, the Group’s cumulative investment in the Vizhinjam project will reach ₹30,000 crore, the largest investment committed by any business house in Keralam. The investment reflects the Group’s role in expanding critical infrastructure, strengthening connectivity and supporting a more conducive environment for business and investment in the State, said Mr. Gupta.

Wider implications

The shift to EXIM operations has wider implications for the efficiency of India’s maritime trade. This arrangement can reduce reliance on overseas transshipment hubs, shorten transit time and improve supply chain efficiency. The significance of Vizhinjam also extends to India’s maritime competitiveness. More than 75 per cent of India’s container transshipment cargo is currently handled through foreign ports, adding logistics costs and transit time. Vizhinjam’s EXIM operations will help address this structural dependence and strengthen India’s ability to retain greater value from its maritime trade, he added.

Located close to major East-West shipping routes, Vizhinjam has already demonstrated its ability to operate at global scale. Commercial operations commenced on December 3, 2024 and the port has since handled more than 2.28 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) and 1,100 vessels, including over 80 Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs). It crossed 1 million TEUs in just 10 months and 2 million TEUs in 18 months.

Direct access

The initial EXIM catchment covers Keralam, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, giving businesses across south India direct access to international shipping networks. The port is expected to support the competitiveness of manufacturing and commercial centres such as Bengaluru, Coimbatore and Tiruppur, while driving demand for logistics, warehousing, freight forwarding and related services. The development is also expected to create more than 5,000 additional direct and indirect jobs, opening new opportunities across the wider maritime and logistics ecosystem.

The next phase will further expand Vizhinjam’s capacity and supporting infrastructure. The ₹16,000-crore Phase II expansion will raise annual capacity to 5.7 million TEUs, add 1,200 metres of container berth, and bring permanent rail connectivity, enhanced road connectivity, logistics parks, warehousing and other supporting infrastructure. Accelerated full-phase development is targeted for December 2028.

Published - August 18, 2026 08:50 pm IST