Thiruvananthapuram: The Adani Group has announced several new projects at its Vizhinjam International Seaport, including a cruise terminal, a bunkering unit for refuelling ships, a fishing harbour, a cement grinding plant, and a seafood park.
This development is in addition to the next three phases of the port's expansion, which are set to be completed within four years. Recognising the vast potential of Vizhinjam Port, the company has decided to double its investment.
Initially, the Adani Group had announced an investment of Rs 10,000 crore for the next three phases. However, during the reception of the new mother ship, Karan Adani, Managing Director of Adani Ports and SEZ Limited (APSEZ), revealed that the investment would be increased to Rs 20,000 crore.
Vizhinjam Seaport is located very close to the famous Kovalam beach and has water connectivity to many regional and international ports. This is the first transshipment port in the country. Until now, India was dependent on Colombo, Dubai, and Singapore ports for transshipment. Now, Vizhinjam International Seaport will be the transshipment hub of the country.
The Vizhinjam International Seaport has been developed by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) with a total investment of Rs 8,867 crore. The Kerala state government has contributed about Rs 5,595 crore, while the central government has contributed Rs 818 crore towards the port.
Built on a public-private partnership model, the construction of Vizhinjam International Port commenced in 2016. The project was allotted to APSEZ on December 5, 2015, after the Government of Kerala and Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Ltd (AVPPL) agreed to a concession agreement on August 17, 2015.
War of words over reception of new mother ship
Launching a scathing attack on the Kerala government for not inviting him to the inauguration of the Vizhinjam Port, Leader of the Opposition, VD Satheesan, said that in 2015, his government had inaugurated the construction and now Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is trying to take credit.
Satheesan said, "The Vizhinjam Port is a reality, after six months, it will be commissioned. The opposition of Kerala is celebrating this day because it is our 'baby'. We have been trying to make this port since last 3 decades. We started this project in 1991 when K Karunakaran was the CM, unfortunately, we couldn't complete it. We inaugurated the construction in 2015. For the last 8 years, the present government didn't take any initiative to make any road or rail connectivity and now Pinarayi Vijayan's government is trying to take credit."
"They didn't invite me to the inauguration programme though I am the state Assembly LoP," he added.
Meanwhile, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan welcomed the first mothership, "San Fernando " at the Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala on Friday.
Welcoming the ship, the CM highlighted that India had now entered the global map through Vizhinjam port and called it a proud moment for India.
"India enters into the global map through Vizhinjam. It is a huge port among world ports. The biggest ships in the world can berth in Vizhinjam. The operation is starting through a trial run. And will start completely functioning soon. This is becoming the mother port and it is a proud moment" said CM Vijayan.
With agency inputs
Published: 14 Jul 2024, 07:56 am IST
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