Vizhinjam International deep-water multi-purpose Seaport has received the environmental clearance for the development of phase II and III. A report in this regard has been received from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Kerala Port Minister, VN Vasavan said.
The proposed development in phase-II and III include extension of the phase I container terminal by additional 1200 m length, development of the container storage yard and related infrastructure behind the 1200 m length extension berth (within port limits), 900 m length extension of main breakwater, 1220 m length of multi-purpose berths, 250 m length liquid berth (along the breakwater), development of liquid cargo storage facility (product will be stored in tanks within port area), reclamation of 77.17 hectare area and dredging of 7.20 cubic metre.
With the environmental clearance, the Minister said that all the phases of the Vizhinjam port project is expected to be completed much earlier than expected and ensure substantial revenue to the State government. The government is expecting an investment of ₹10,000 crore for the development of all the phases that would gain the port an international status in the global shipping sector.
The development of phase-II and III will yield substantial economic benefits and the project is expected to generate significant revenue for both the Central and State governments through GST and job creation. Traders will gain a competitive advantage in terms of logistics costs with the capability to accommodate mother vessels directly.
The development of the Vizhinjam port offers an efficient and cost-effective supply chain/ value proposition to the Exim trade which could trigger a new set of opportunities as induced developments.