Adani Group is development of Vizhinjam port, which is going to be one of the largest port in the world: karan adani

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan flagged in the first ship into the Rs 7,700-crore Vizhinjam international deep-sea port on Sunday.

Karan Adani ( CEO of Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd) said Let me begin by thanking you all, especially the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Kerala, for giving me this opportunity to speak on this historic occasion. The presence of the maiden cargo vessel in Vizhinjam is a wonderful sight.

This project- the development of the Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport – has been the most challenging project that we have ever taken on and executed.

This is also why today is a very special moment for us – because today marks not just the fulfilment of a promise we made to Kerala, but also the fulfilment of a dream shared by the people of Vizhinjam, Thiruvananthapuram and Kerala. For more than 32 years, since 1991 Kerala has been waiting for this day. In the first 24 years, nothing much happened. In 2015, the Government of Kerala, then led by the Late Shri Oommen Chandy Ji, gave us the opportunity to develop Vizhinjam port. It is a matter of honour and pride for us that people of Kerala have entrusted us with their dream of this port to make it a reality.

Karan said,  I remember that when our Chairman, Shri Gautam Adani, returned to Ahmedabad, he told us that Shri Chandy Ji and also Shri Muraleedharan Ji, who is here today, were openly enthusiastic about the project. It is as if whole of Kerala and the entire spirit of Kerala were palpably visible in one voice, in one sentiment calling for the development of Kerala. Ancient Maritime history linking to modern maritime journey. However, what he was most impressed with was that all parties, LDF, BJP, UDF were fully supporting the project, including the central government.

This project was very tough as we had to encounter repeated disruptions from cyclone Ockhi to the super floods of 2018 – a once in a century occurrence, followed by a devastating flood in 2019, and if that were not enough, the worldwide Covid pandemic unleashed lockdowns and waves of disruption in 2020 and 2021. But we held on, secured with your trust and the deep rooted belief that Adani, with its resilience, will match the aspirations of the people of Kerala – and I am humbled to announce that your trust and love have brought us to this momentous day. To you, the people of Thiruvananthapuram and Kerala, my salutation.

Although Shri Oommen Chandy Ji is no longer with us, I wish to express my gratitude to him and his government for welcoming us. I must also thank you, Hon’ble Chief Minister and the Central government for your unwavering support for this project.

Hon’ble CM, it is you who have guided us through the most difficult part of the project – its execution on the ground – and without your vision and foresight, this project would not have been gotten to where it is now.

Generally, a change of government is a challenging development for those working on infra projects, as it usually takes a lot of time to gain the trust of the new government. I fondly recollect my first meeting after you assumed office as CM of Kerala. The warmth, affection and the outstanding support you laid out in the meeting for this project was truly amazing. I must say, I was not only surprised, but after the meeting, I had no doubt in mind that there will be no uncertainty for the project hereafter.

Thank you, Hon’ble Chief Minister – I must say that this is one of the most unique projects we have worked on, where the support has been generous, continuous and relentless – all the way.

We are grateful for the incredible support and assistance provided by your ministers and officials, especially Shri Ahammad Devarkovil Ji and his team, who were available always – and continue to be available always – to make this project come true.

He further said I also wish to offer my deep gratitude to Shri Shashi Tharoor Ji and Shri M Vincent Ji, the people’s esteemed representatives in Parliament and the State Assembly, for standing by us as we built this port. We look forward to your continued support. I also want to thank the outpouring of support we have received from the people of Vizhinjam and Thiruvananthapuram and we look forward to the same.

The way all of you have come together, cutting across political and ideological differences, to support the Vizhinjam project is proof that Kerala stands ‘solidly united as one’ when it comes to Kerala’s interests and Kerala’s development.

Now that the first vessel has berthed, I would like to announce that we are keen to commence Phase II of this project. On this historic occasion of Zen Hua 15, I am reminded of the historic berthing of Alpha 2 on October 1998. Now in October 2023, 25 years of glorious history of maritime development at Mundra is the harbinger of a glorious chapter of India’s maritime progress. We are committed to not only recreating a Mundra scale of development but also creations on an even larger scale of opportunity for the people and state of Kerala. The port’s strategic location – just 10 nautical miles from the International Shipping Route connecting Europe, the Persian Gulf and the Far East – is a huge advantage as we enter the second phase.

Kerala, with a coastline of 590 km, stands at the crossroads of history and modernity. Vizhinjam Port will emerge as the largest private port in Kerala and will be huge revenue contributor to the state.

In addition to being the first exclusive transshipment port, Vizhinjam will also make history as the first semi-automated container terminal in India. Vizhinjam will also be a Global Bunkering Hub, supplying clean, green fuel like hydrogen and ammonia.

When completed, this port will be one of the greenest ports in the world, a fitting complement to the natural beauty of environment-conscious Kerala. Truly a tribute to “Gods Own Country “.

We also expect the port project to generate employment for more than 5,500 people through direct and indirect jobs – and our community outreach programs will benefit both lives and livelihoods in this neighbourhood.

We are humbled by this opportunity to leverage our expertise to transform Vizhinjam, which has the potential to compete with leading global ports like Colombo, Singapore, Port Klang and Jebel Ali.

With a natural draft of 18 meters, Vizhinjam will soon be capable of docking some of the largest container ships in the world.

Once again, I thank all the stakeholders – including my own colleagues – who have worked extremely hard and put their heart and soul into making this project a dream come true for the people of Kerala.

It is this effort and commitment from all – the Government, both central and state, the people of Kerala, and my colleagues from the Adani Group, that has helped us to deliver – and continue to deliver- what Kerala expects from us.

I thank everyone gathered here for joining us today and for supporting and steering the project to this advanced stage. I promise you that we will deliver a magnificent world-class-port – and we will deliver it on time.