The international port of Vidyinjam in the state of Kerala has commenced full-scale import-export (EXIM) operations in the presence of the Chief Minister of Kerala, V.D. Satish. Previously, the port functioned primarily as a cargo transit hub; however, it has now become a key global node for direct imports and exports from India.
This significant event was attended not only by the Chief Minister of Kerala but also by the Minister of Industries P.K. Kunalikutty, local MLA M. Vincent, and the Director of Shipping of the Government of India, Shyam Jagannathan, alongside other high-ranking officials and business representatives.
Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satish noted that this is a moment of pride for everyone. He emphasized that Vidyinjam has transformed into India's main gateway to the world. Under the 'Mission Sea' initiative, the port's potential will be utilized to the maximum extent, for which ₹320 billion will be allocated for the construction of a ring road, and the connection between road and rail infrastructure will also be strengthened.
Ashwani Gupta, CEO of Adani Ports (APSEZ), stated that Vidyinjam is not merely a channel for goods movement but a symbol of India's aspiration for self-reliance, global competitiveness, and leadership in maritime trade, connecting Kerala's talent and Indian entrepreneurship with global markets.
Vidyinjam Port possesses several advantages: it is located just ten nautical miles from international sea routes and has a natural depth of 18 to 20 meters, which facilitates the docking of the world's largest container vessels (ULCVs).
As part of the expansion of the second phase of the project, the total investment by the Adani group will reach ₹300 billion. This represents the largest investment made by any commercial conglomerate in Kerala. Since the start of commercial operation on December 3, 2024, the port has handled over 2.28 million containers and received more than 1100 vessels. In 10 months, it exceeded 1 million TEUs, and in 18 months, it reached 2 million TEUs.
The largest container ship to arrive in India, 'MSC Irina', measuring 399.99 meters long and having a capacity of 24,346 TEUs, has also successfully berthed here.
Currently, over 75% of India's transit cargo passes through foreign ports, increasing both costs and delivery times. The commencement of EXIM operations in Vidyinjam will significantly reduce this dependency. The port will directly benefit the major industrial and manufacturing centers of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, such as Bangalore, Coimbatore, and Tirupur.
This project will create over 5000 new direct and indirect jobs in sectors such as logistics, warehousing, and freight forwarding. The second phase of expansion, which will be completed by December 2028 and require ₹160 billion, will increase the port's annual throughput capacity to 5.7 million TEUs. This phase will include the construction of an additional 1200 meters of container berths, ensuring permanent rail connectivity, and developing logistics parks and modern warehousing facilities.