'Vizhinjam project is not the result of efforts of a single government'; Karan Adani highlights role of Oommen Chandy

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Adani Ports Managing Director Karan Adani on Monday said the Vizhinjam port project is not the achievement of any single government, but the result of collective efforts over the years. He was speaking at the inauguration of the second phase of construction of the Vizhinjam port.

Karan Adani said the project would not have been completed without the support of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. He also announced that the Adani Group will invest Rs 16,000 crore in the second phase of the port’s development.

The investment is part of the Rs 30,000 crore commitment announced at the Invest Kerala Global Summit and is the largest private investment in the state so far. The current container-handling capacity of Vizhinjam port, which stands at 10 lakh containers, will be increased to 57 lakh containers by 2029. The port will be developed into the largest transhipment hub in the Indian subcontinent and is expected to play a key role in Kerala’s economic growth, he said.

Karan Adani also acknowledged the contribution of former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy to the project. He said he was thankful to Opposition Leader V D Satheesan as well, noting that despite political differences, all stakeholders worked together to make Vizhinjam a reality.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the second phase of construction by switching on the piling works. Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal attended the event as the chief guest. Ministers V N Vasavan and K N Balagopal, Thiruvananthapuram Mayor V V Rajesh, and several other dignitaries were also present.

With this, the second phase of development of the Vizhinjam port has officially begun. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said the port has become a major milestone in Kerala’s infrastructure growth and expressed confidence that the Union government would extend full support for its further development.