Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India], January 24 (ANI): Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday inaugurated the second phase of the Vizhinjam International Seaport, calling it the state's 'economic backbone.'

Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Karan Adani, MD of Adani Ports & Special Economic Zone Ltd, were also present at the ceremony.

Addressing the gathering, CM Vijayan said that Kerala has responded to 'criticism and mockery' by turning such projects into reality and added that Adani Ports has adopted a 'cooperative approach' for the Vizhinjam port.

The Chief Minister said, 'Standing on the shores of Vizhinjam, there is only one message we have to give to the world. That message is this: Kerala is changing; Kerala is moving forward... Vizhinjam will become one of the most prominent ports on the international map. Many had alleged that nothing ever happens properly in Kerala, but we responded to such criticisms and mockery by turning many projects into reality. We were able to bring things to a stage where everyone now fully acknowledges that many things will indeed happen here. The second, third, and fourth phases of the port will be combined and completed as the second phase.'

'Adani Ports Limited has adopted a cooperative approach. Vizhinjam Port has already become Kerala's most important economic backbone. Ships that once only went to Colombo and Singapore are now coming to Vizhinjam. This has helped provide more employment opportunities for the youth. Large-scale local development has also become possible. The benefits of this will extend to the whole of Kerala,' he added.

Hailing the state government's approach towards development, Vijayan said that the project overcame several obstacles, including natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic.

'In a short period of time, the Vizhinjam International Seaport has turned into a wonder. This is the dream project of the state. Many times, major obstacles arose, such as natural disasters and the pandemic, which became obstacles to the project. However, we cannot afford to remain stalled. That is the government's perspective on development. During this period, the state government adopted an uncompromising approach in development matters. The government looks only at whether it will be beneficial to the state. Whatever the obstacles, efforts were made to overcome them by anticipating the state's needs. Now, that has yielded results,' the Chief Minister said.

CM Vijayan said that with the second phase of the port, the port will have the longest container berth in the country and from 2035, the state government will generate revenue from it.

He said, 'Luxury cruise ships will now also be able to arrive at Vizhinjam. This will be a major boost to the tourism sector. With the completion of the 2,000-metre berth development, the achievement of having the longest container berth will be realised. Land does not need to be acquired for development. Land is being created by reclaiming the sea. From 2035 onwards, the state government will begin to receive revenue. The government's share of revenue will increase beyond what was initially estimated.'

'So far, only transshipment operations were being carried out. From now on, cargo movement by road will also become possible. In the very near future, cargo movement by road can commence. For the first phase, the state government invested Rs 5,500 crore. No other state in the country has made such a large investment in port construction. Though this is in Kerala, Vizhinjam is becoming one of India's most important ports. The project should be viewed as one that benefits the entire country,' he added.

Located in Vizhinjam, Adani Ports & Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) is developing this deep-sea water port as India's first Mega Transshipment Container Terminal. Vizhinjam Port offers large-scale automation for quick turnaround of vessels with infrastructure to handle Megamax containerships. Its capacity in phase 1 is to be 1 million TEUs, and in subsequent phases, another 6.2 million TEUs will be added.

Today, Karan Adani announced a Rs 16,000 crore investment under Phase 2 and a total commitment of Rs 30,000 crore, with which Vizhinjam will scale to 5.7 million TEUs by 2029. (ANI)