Vizhinjam Port to be completed earlier than expected; container terminal to be expanded to 1200 meters

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Environmental clearance has been given to the second and third phases of Vizhinjam Port. Minister V.N. Vasavan informed that an order has been received from the Union Environment Ministry in this regard.

As part of the second and third phase development, the container terminal will be expanded to 1200 meters in length, and the length of the breakwater will be increased by 900 meters. The project includes the development of a container storage yard and related infrastructure, 1220 meters long multipurpose berths, 250 meters long liquid berths adjunct with a breakwater, the development of liquid cargo storage facilities, land acquisition of 77.17 hectares, and dredging of 7.20 mm³. With this, the government will be able to complete the Vizhinjam International Port project earlier than expected and ensure revenue.

The port is designed to handle a minimum of 30 lakh containers per year, which can be increased to 45 lakh with automated systems. By 2028, Vizhinjam is expected to become the container terminal with the highest installed capacity in South India. The cost of the development of the second, third, and fourth phases of the port is expected to be Rs. 10,000 crore.