Historical & Strategic Context
- Vizhinjam was historically known as Balita and later Rajendra Chola Pattinam, indicating its prominence in early global maritime trade.
- Post-colonial neglect led to the decline of its status in favor of ports like Cochin and Madras.
- It is now revived as India’s first deep-water container transshipment port.
Relevance :GS 3(Infrastructure)
Port Features & Economic Significance
- Location advantage: Closest Indian port to international shipping routes (just 10 nautical miles away).
- Can handle Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs) due to its natural 20-meter draft depth.
- Developed under a PPP model with ₹8,867 crore investment:
- Kerala Govt: ₹5,595 crore
- Adani Ports: ₹2,454 crore
- Union Govt (VGF): ₹817.8 crore
- Already exceeded TEU targets: 6 lakh TEUs handled in a year (vs. expected 1 lakh).
Operational Milestones
- Docked MSC Claude Girardet, largest cargo ship in South Asia.
- MSC Anna handled 10,330 containers—a record for Indian ports.
- MSC Irina, world’s largest container ship, expected to dock in May 2025.
- Semi-automated port with skilled women crane operators—a national first.
Geopolitical and Global Trade Impact
- Aims to reduce India’s dependence on foreign transshipment hubs like Colombo, Singapore, and Klang.
- MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Co.) has already included Vizhinjam in its major global shipping routes.
Future Expansion Plans
- Full completion advanced from 2045 to 2028.
- Second and third phases approved with ₹20,000 crore investment:
- TEU capacity to increase from 1 million to 4.87 million.
- Berth length to increase from 1,200m to 2,000m.
Infrastructure & Connectivity Challenges
- Delays due to inadequate associated infrastructure (e.g., 40-ship backlog in Feb).
- Pending approvals:
- Integrated Check Post (ICP) – vital for customs and crew change.
- Port Health Office – important for international operations.
- Key connectivity projects:
- NH-66 expansion, rail link to Balaramapuram, 63 km Outer Ring Road.
Allied Industrial Ecosystem & Local Economy
- Kerala government announced Vizhinjam Development Zone and plans for an economic corridor.
- Push for shipbuilding, ship repair, logistics, and green fuel (hydrogen, ammonia) hubs.
- Shipyard at Poovar and wave energy projects in pipeline.
Special Investment Region (SIR) & SEZ Potential
- Potential to emulate China’s Shenzhen model (from fishing village to tech hub).
- Vizhinjam Special Investment Region (SIR) Bill under proposal:
- Should include land pooling, fair compensation, and global best practices.
- May be referred to a select committee for detailed study.
Policy & Financial Concerns
- Union Govt’s VGF repayment clause could escalate to ₹10,000 crore – a financial burden on Kerala.
- Suggestion: Reconsider repayment terms due to the port’s strategic importance.
- Need for a Greenfield Port Policy (like Greenfield Airport Policy) to avoid nearby redundant ports (e.g., Colachel, 40 km away).
Conclusion: Way Forward
- Vizhinjam is a game-changing infrastructure project with immense potential.
- Its success hinges on:
- Timely infrastructure support,
- Smart regulatory decisions,
- Strategic global partnerships,
- Harmonious Centre-State-private collaboration.
