Maritime News India : Vizhinjam, Kerala – The Vizhinjam International Seaport is already making headlines, even before its official launch. With a remarkable contribution of approximately ₹4.7 crore to Kerala’s exchequer during its trial run from July 11 to October 1, the port is positioning itself as a crucial player in India’s maritime economy.
Landmark Achievements
In just a short span, the port has successfully accommodated around 19 vessels, including the unprecedented MSC Claude Girardet, which made history as the largest container ship to dock at an Indian port. This colossal ship has a capacity of 24,166 TEUs, highlighting the port’s ability to handle significant maritime traffic. Another noteworthy event was the docking of the MSC Anna, which executed a record-breaking transfer of 10,330 TEUs in a single operation.
During this trial period, Vizhinjam handled around 60,503 TEUs, accounting for nearly 10% of the total container traffic in South India, underscoring its potential as a key logistical hub.
Infrastructure Bottlenecks
However, the path to full commercial operations, slated for December 3, isn’t without its hurdles. Significant infrastructure developments remain incomplete, particularly the approach road linking the port to the national highway. The construction of this vital roadway is mired in complications related to its design, which requires further land acquisition due to changing traffic patterns.
Port Minister V.N. Vasavan has acknowledged that confusion surrounding the junction’s design has delayed the project. The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) is currently revising the plans to accommodate increased traffic from the port and the Outer Ring Road.
Looking Ahead
The state government is actively seeking temporary solutions to ensure connectivity until the permanent infrastructure is in place. On the rail connectivity front, which was originally supposed to be completed by May 2022, talks are underway to establish a new deadline of December 2028 for completion.
While the Vizhinjam Port showcases tremendous potential to drive economic growth and enhance trade, its success hinges on addressing these infrastructure challenges. As stakeholders collaborate to find solutions, the port is poised to transform Kerala’s maritime landscape, paving the way for a new era in maritime trade.
