Sarbananda Sonowal Inaugurates Vizhinjam Seaport Capacity Augmentation Works | 28 Jan 2026

Why in News? 

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, inaugurated the capacity augmentation works of the Vizhinjam International Seaport at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

Key Points: 

• Vizhinjam International Seaport:Located near Thiruvananthapuram, Vizhinjam is India’s first deep-water transshipment port, strategically positioned close to international shipping routes.  
• Fast-Tracked Timeline: Originally scheduled for completion by 2045, the development of subsequent phases was advanced by nearly 17 years through a supplementary agreement signed in 2024. The entire project is now targeted for completion by December 2028. 
• Massive Investment: The expansion involves an additional investment of approximately ₹16,000 crore, bringing the total project cost to nearly ₹30,000 crore. 
• Infrastructure Scaling: 
  • Berth Extension: The existing container berth will be extended to a continuous 2-kilometre length, making it the longest in India. 
  • Throughput Capacity: Total operational capacity will increase five-fold, from 1 million TEUs to 5.7 million TEUs per annum. 
  • Handling Capabilities: The port will be equipped to handle up to five mother vessels simultaneously and next-generation container ships of up to 28,000 TEUs. 
• Operational Success: Phase I, which commenced commercial operations on December 3, 2024, already demonstrated over 130% capacity utilisation, handling more than 1.43 million TEUs in a few weeks.  
• Strategic Significance:The expansion aligns with Maritime Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 priorities to develop world-class maritime infrastructure. 
  • It aims to reduce India’s dependence on foreign transshipment hubs such as Colombo.