The second phase of the Vizhinjam international seaport in Kerala will start on January 24. This expansion brings a ₹9,700 crore investment by Adani Vizhinjam Port Pvt. Ltd (AVPPL). The first phase saw ₹8,867 crore invested, with Kerala government contributing ₹5,595 crore and Adani Ports ₹2,500 crore. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the construction at 4 p.m. The event will be presided by State Ports Minister V.N. Vasavan and attended by Union Ports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. At a press meet on January 22, Mr. Vasavan shared that phase two will finish by 2028. He highlighted the port’s strong start, saying it handled 1.513 million TEUs from 710 vessels within one year. "Within this short period, the port has been able to start direct services to major ports across Europe, America, Africa and Asia. The port has already become an important link in the global seaborne cargo movement and a strategic trade gateway for South Asia," he added. The expansion will increase the port’s capacity from 1 million TEU to 5 million TEU. Berth length will grow from 800 meters to 2,000 meters, and the breakwater will extend from 3 km to 4 km. New facilities planned include a railway yard, multipurpose berth, liquid terminal, and tank farm. The second phase will also enable EXIM cargo and container movement by road. A new cruise terminal will allow large passenger ships, boosting Kerala’s tourism and economy. Mr. Vasavan noted, "With the completion of the liquid terminal to be built in the second phase, large ships will be able to reach the port to refuel during long journeys. Moreover, a large number of ships will rely on Vizhinjam for this purpose as it is close to the international shipping lane to refuel." He added the port has already contributed ₹106 crore in tax revenue. No extra land will be acquired; instead, 55 hectares will be reclaimed from the sea. Container yard capacity will rise from 35,000 to 1 lakh containers stacked at once. Crane count will expand to 100, including 30 ship-to-shore cranes and 70 yard cranes. Post-expansion, Vizhinjam will be India’s largest straight berth port, capable of docking four mother ships simultaneously. This will attract more shipping firms and create jobs. Meanwhile, Kerala is acquiring 50 hectares for port-related industries through KINFRA. The second phase marks a major leap for Vizhinjam, positioning it as a key trade hub for South Asia by 2028.