"We expect the first vessel to berth in October this year, that's when we expect the first equipment to come. We expect the Phase 1 of the port (400 metre quay) to be commissioned by March 2024 and the balance by May 2024. So, we expect the full commissioning of Vizhinjam Port by May 2024," Karan Adani, Chief Executive Officer, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) said at an analysts call on 30th May 2023 after the company announced the fourth quarter and annual financial results. [1]

To kickstart the process, a ship carrying a crucial crane from China will be transported to the port in October of this year. Once the crane arrives, the construction of the 400-meter quay will swiftly follow, enabling commercial operations to commence by March of next year. Karan Adani expressed confidence that within two months, the subsequent 400-meter quay will also be completed, marking the successful completion of the project's first phase.

Previously, the government had projected the project's commissioning to take place in September-October 2024. However, the current announcement by the company reveals an impressive acceleration of the timeline, with a significant advancement of 6-7 months.

While the project has encountered delays and surpassed numerous guaranteed dates in the past, the company's recent declaration provides a concrete calendar and a renewed sense of determination to bring the Vizhinjam project to fruition.

[1] Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited. (2023, May 30). Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited - Annual General Meeting - Audio Recording. Retrieved from https://archives.nseindia.com/corporate/ADANIPORTS_30052023215618_AudioRecording.pdf