Vizhinjam Port Phase 2 Launch Today: ₹9,700 Cr Expansion & Cruise Terminal Details

It is a historic day for Thiruvananthapuram and India’s maritime sector. Today, January 24, 2026, marks the official launch of the second phase of the Vizhinjam International Seaport.

While the first phase, commissioned in May 2025, has already put Kerala on the global shipping map, Phase 2 is set to be a game-changer. With a massive investment of ₹9,700 Crore, this expansion aims to transform Vizhinjam into India’s largest transshipment hub, capable of competing directly with global giants like Colombo, Singapore, and Dubai.

If you are wondering what this new phase brings to the capital city—from job opportunities to a new cruise terminal—here is a complete breakdown of today’s big event.

The Big Launch: What is Happening Today?

The construction of Phase 2 will be officially inaugurated at 4:00 PM today by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

• Chief Guest: Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, will attend, signaling strong support from the Central Government.
• The Goal: To scale up the port’s capacity significantly by 2028, three years ahead of the original 2045 master plan deadline.

What is New in Phase 2?

The second phase is not just a minor upgrade; it is a massive expansion that will change the face of the port.

• Capacity Boost: The container handling capacity will jump five-fold, from 1 million TEUs to 5 million TEUs annually.
• Longer Berths: The berth length (where ships park) will be extended from the current 800 meters to 2,000 meters. This means four massive “Mother Ships” can dock simultaneously.
• Liquid Terminal: A new terminal will be built to allow ships to refuel (bunkering) mid-voyage. Since Vizhinjam is close to the main East-West international shipping route, this is expected to generate huge revenue for the state.

A Gift for Tourists: The Cruise Terminal

One of the most exciting announcements for Thiruvananthapuram locals is the addition of a world-class Cruise Terminal.

Read more: CBI Busts ₹1,000 Crore

• Once completed, luxury passenger liners will be able to dock at Vizhinjam.
• This is expected to trigger a tourism boom in Kovalam and the capital city, creating thousands of hospitality and logistics jobs.

Why is Vizhinjam So Important?

Since commencing commercial operations in late 2024, Vizhinjam has already proved its worth.

• Performance: It has handled over 15 lakh containers from 710 vessels in just over a year.
• Revenue: The port has already generated over ₹106 Crore in tax revenue for the Kerala government.
• No New Land Needed: A unique feature of Phase 2 is that it requires no new land acquisition. Instead, 55 hectares will be reclaimed from the sea, avoiding the usual delays associated with land disputes.

Republic Day Preparations in Full Swing

While the port steals the spotlight today, the city is also gearing up for Republic Day on Monday.

• Central Stadium: Security has been tightened at the Central Stadium where Governor Rajendra Arlekar is scheduled to hoist the national flag on January 26.
• Traffic: Commuters should expect restrictions on MG Road and near the Secretariat this weekend due to rehearsals.

Conclusion: A New Era for Trivandrum

With the Phase 2 launch today, Thiruvananthapuram is fast evolving from a government administrative center into a major economic hub. For residents, this means more traffic and construction in the short term, but also more jobs and global connectivity in the near future. The target is set: by 2028, Vizhinjam wants to be the maritime king of South Asia.

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