Thiruvananthapuram : The Port Minister Ahammad Devarkovil chaired the monthly assessment meeting at Vizhinjam International Seaport, expressing satisfaction with the project’s progress. The first phase of the project is expected to complete by May 2024, according to the minister.

The Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited (VISL) Managing Director Divya S lyer, VISL officials, Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Limited officials, various department representatives, and others were present in the meeting.

Positive Developments for Fishing Communities

The meeting also decided to provide free kerosene to 322 outboard engine boats registered in Vizhinjam North, South, and Adimalathura fishing villages for an additional year. Vizhinjam International Seaport Ltd. (VISL) has handed over Rs 27 crore to Matsyafed for this purpose. Additionally, Rs 2.22 crore has been sanctioned as compensation for workers who lost their jobs due to port construction.

Upcoming Cargo Ship Arrivals

The second project cargo vessel, Zhen Hua 29, carrying container handling cranes for the port, is set to arrive at the port on Thursday 09 November 2023. It has been informed that the shipment will have a rail-mounted quay crane and four yard cranes, that are essential for the operations of the port. The third project cargo vessel is expected on November 25th, and the fourth on December 15th. The remaining four ships will arrive between January and March.

Vizhinjam International Seaport’s Significance

The Vizhinjam International Seaport is a greenfield deep-water transshipment port project developed under a public-private partnership model with the Adani Group.   The efforts is to make it a major hub for transshipment cargo in the Indian Ocean region.  That will will be having a capacity of handling container and liquid bulk cargo, and cruise ships.

Financial Support

The central government allocated Rs 1925 crore to the state for infrastructure development, with Rs 1081 crore earmarked for the Vizhinjam port. Central assistance, including the CapEx loan and a gap viability fund, totals Rs 1898 crore.

The Port Minister’s review clearly reflects the commitment of the Kerala government to imake it a successful project. As per the Minister the project will ensure economy development, generation of employment, increase in trade and rise in tourism in Kerala.