THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Chinese ship that arrived at the Vizhinjam International Port on Thursday, giving a firm hope to Kerala's boom, will receive a grand welcome today. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will officially welcome the ship at 4 pm in the presence of dignitaries including Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonawal. Adani Vizhinjam Port Limited Chairman Karan Adani, CEO Rajesh Jha, Union Minister V Muraleedharan, Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan and others will participate. Admission is free to the public.

The entry of the Shenhua 15, carrying cranes, is a reminder that it is not difficult for cargo ships to dock here. The three cranes brought to be installed at Vizhinjam will be unloaded from tomorrow. The ship will return on the 20th. The port construction will speed up in the coming days. More ships will soon arrive at Vizhinjam with the necessary cranes. The first phase of the port will be completed by May 2024. With this, huge cargo ships can reach with containers containing daily necessities. State and central governments got an income of 30 crores with the arrival of Shenhua 15 in the form of GST. The government will get a huge amount in taxes from the cranes and other equipment that will arrive in the coming days. Once the port becomes a reality, it will pave the way for Kerala's huge boom.

Vizhinjam port

• Once the final phase is completed, it will be able to handle 30 lakh containers per year.
• Vizhinjam has the distinction of being the deepest port in India that is closest to international shipping lanes.

Second stage study

The environmental impact study for the second phase of Vizhinjam port project has started. L&T Company is conducting the study for Adani Ports. A report will be submitted to the central government within one year. The number of births will increase in the second phase.