Archive · 23 Jan 2026
Kerala to Launch Phase-2 of Vizhinjam Port Expansion
Kerala is starting the second phase of building a big port called Vizhinjam.
The Chief Minister will open this new phase, which will make the port much bigger and better.
They will add more places for big ships to dock, more cranes to load and unload containers, and even a place for ships to refuel.
The port is already doing well, with ships coming from all over the world.
This new phase will help the port handle even more ships and containers, making it a very important place for trade in India.
The whole project is expected to be finished by 2028, much earlier than originally planned.
Additionally, the government is investing ₹1,500 crore to improve inland waterways in Kerala, which will help move goods more easily and reduce traffic on roads and railways.
This includes building new facilities for boats and offering money back to people who use these waterways to transport goods.
Phase-2 of Vizhinjam International Deepwater Seaport to be inaugurated by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday.
The project involves an investment of Rs 9,700 crore and aims to expand the port's capacity and infrastructure.
Container handling capacity will increase five-fold to 5 million TEUs annually, with berth length extended to 2,000 metres and breakwater to 4 kilometres.
New infrastructure includes a railway yard, multi-purpose berth, liquid terminal, and tank farm, with a total of 100 cranes, including 30 ship-to-shore cranes.
The port's full development is now targeted for 2028, with Phase-2 expected to catalyse logistics, employment, and trade across southern India.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal announced investments worth ₹1,500 crore for the development of inland water transport in Kerala.
The investment focuses on strengthening infrastructure, including the Jal Vahak scheme to incentivise cargo movement through inland waterways and the development of a slipway facility in Kochi.
Kerala has five notified National Waterways, with NW-3, NW-8, and NW-9 currently operational, having carried 3.559 million tonnes of cargo over the past five years.
Cargo movement through waterways in India has increased from 18 million tonnes in 2014 to 145 million tonnes over the last decade, with the number of national waterways expanding from five to 111.
The Inland Waterways Development Council meeting reviewed sectoral achievements, announced major investments, and laid out a roadmap for the development of inland waterways across the country.
- Who
- Kerala government, Adani Group, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal
- What
- Launch of Phase-2 construction of Vizhinjam International Deepwater Seaport and investment in inland waterways
- When
- Friday, January 26 (Phase-2 inauguration), January 23, 2026 (IWDC meeting)
- Where
- Vizhinjam, Kerala (Phase-2), Kochi, Kerala (IWDC meeting)
- Why
- To expand port capacity, infrastructure, and global competitiveness, and to promote sustainable and cost-effective transportation through inland waterways
Government and Industry Supporters
Environmental and Local Community Concerns
Economic Benefits vs. Environmental Impact
Government and Industry Supporters
The expansion will boost trade, create jobs, and enhance India's logistics capabilities.
Environmental and Local Community Concerns
The project may cause environmental degradation and displacement of local communities.
- Investment
- Rs 9,700 crore
- Container Handling Capacity
- 5 million TEUs annually
- Berth Length
- 2,000 metres
- Breakwater Length
- 4 kilometres
- Number of Cranes
- 100, including 30 ship-to-shore cranes
- Container Yard Capacity
- 1,00,000 units
- Expected Completion Year
- 2028
- Land Acquisition
- Not required, 55 hectares through sea reclamation
- Inland Waterways Investment
- ₹1,500 crore
- Jal Vahak Scheme Reimbursement
- Up to 35% of operating costs
- National Waterways in Kerala
- 5 (NW-3, NW-8, NW-9, NW-13, NW-59)
- Total Length of Waterways in Kerala
- 465.89 km
- Cargo Carried in Kerala Waterways (Past 5 Years)
- 3.559 million tonnes
- National Waterways Expansion (2014-2024)
- From 5 to 111
- Cargo Movement Increase (2014-2024)
- From 18 million tonnes to 145 million tonnes
