THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Rajesh Jha, a Gujarati and CEO of Adani Vizhinjam Port Company, is the one spearheading the construction of Vizhinjam International Port, which will spur Kerala's development. With the arrival of the first ship after years of his efforts, he has high hopes for the port's future. Rajesh Jha says that more than 10 leading shipping companies in the world have contacted Vizhinjam expressing their interest in cooperating. Discussions are going on with everyone. Cargo ships will start arriving in December 2024 when the first phase of the port is ready.

The port will boost many sectors including tourism. More than 5,000 direct and indirect jobs will be created. So it is imperative that everyone cooperates with the port. Adani Group is proceeding with the project considering the local population as well. So the local community is also in joy. However, whether to provide job reservations for locals at the port is not a matter that falls under the jurisdiction of the Adani Group. Jha said that the government should take a decision in this regard.

Survived many crises

There will be concerns that the port will be misused for smuggling. Jha says Adani Group will be vigilant to avoid such a situation. For this, the Coast Guard and the Coastal Police will be coordinated. The construction of the port proceeded after overcoming many challenges and difficulties. We tried to find a solution to the crisis without grudges. The crisis in supplying stone for port construction was also overcome. At present, stone is coming from Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Like Kerala, Vizhinjam is a dream project that Adani Group is also looking forward to. He said that the port is expected to turn profitable soon if it is commissioned within the presently fixed time frame.