Thiruvananthapuram, leveraging its strategic location close to both a major port and an international airport, is set to become the “next Singapore” of India, according to Pradeep Jayaraman, CEO of Adani Vizhinjam Ports Pvt Ltd.

Speaking at a panel discussion titled “Roadmap for Responsible Growth and Innovation” during the state’s Vision 2031 seminar, Jayaraman said the Kerala capital has the ideal mix of logistics advantages, infrastructure, and investment climate to emerge as a global industrial and trade hub.

Port-airport proximity offers rare advantage

“If any place in the country has the potential to be the next Singapore, it is Thiruvananthapuram,” Jayaraman said.

He noted that the city’s proximity to both the airport and the Vizhinjam port — located just 30 minutes apart — offers a unique opportunity for air-sea cargo operations, rarely seen elsewhere in the world. “Our company is keen to fully leverage this advantage,” he added.

Vizhinjam Port expansion to drive growth

Outlining future expansion plans, Jayaraman said Phase 2 of the Vizhinjam Port will include an additional 800 metres of berth, with the long-term goal of developing a two-kilometre straight-line berth — one of India’s longest.

“With Phase-1 already operating at 120–130 per cent capacity, the location has proven its potential,” he remarked.

Kerala’s investor-friendly climate praised

Highlighting Kerala’s industrial readiness, Jayaraman said, “The state’s industrial policy, incentives, and climate make it ideal for investment. We are also ramping up multi-cargo handling capabilities to facilitate importers and exporters.”

He added that logistics parks are being planned to further boost industrial and trade activities in the region.

Vision 2031 sets the roadmap

The seminar, organised by the Department of Industries and Commerce in association with KSIDC, K-BIP, and KINFRA, also featured discussions on MSME development, legacy industries, and innovation ecosystems.

Concluding his remarks, Jayaraman said, “Thiruvananthapuram has the potential to emerge as a world-class industrial and logistics hub. With infrastructure, strategic investments, and coordinated efforts from government and industry, the city can truly become India’s gateway for trade and innovation.”

Earlier, the Kerala government unveiled its Vision 2031 document, setting out an ambitious plan to transform the state into a major industrial powerhouse and a preferred investment destination in India.