Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday inaugurated the second phase of the Vizhinjam International Seaport, marking a major expansion push that is expected to transform the port into the largest transhipment hub in the Indian sub-continent. Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) Managing Director Karan Adani was also present at the event.

APSEZ said the phase-two development will significantly scale up Vizhinjam’s capacity and strengthen India’s maritime logistics capabilities.

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Speaking at the inauguration, Karan Adani said, "...Today, as we lay the foundation for phase two, we are not merely expanding a port, we are expanding a national capability. With an additional investment of Rs 16,000 crores under phase two and a cumulative commitment of Rs 30,000 crores, Vizhinjam will scale from a capacity of 1 million TU to 5.7 million TUs by 2029. This is the largest investment committed by any business house in the state of Kerala..."

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As part of the second phase, the berth length will be expanded from the existing 800 metres to 2,000 metres, while the breakwater will be extended from 3 km to 4 km. The phase will also include the development of a railway yard, a multi-purpose berth, a liquid terminal and a tank farm.

According to the PTI report, the phase 2 equipment will include 21 automated ship-to-shore (STS) cranes, 45 automated Cantilever Rail-Mounted Gantry (CMRG) cranes, a rail handling yard and a state-of-the-art electrical and automation systems