Opening of Colombo Terminal to create thousands of local jobs: Karan Adani

IANS April 7, 2025 145 views

The Colombo West International Terminal represents a major infrastructure milestone for Sri Lanka and India's maritime collaboration. Developed by Adani Ports, the $800 million project promises to create thousands of local jobs and enhance cargo handling capabilities. With a 1,400-metre quay and 20-metre depth, the terminal can process approximately 3.2 million TEUs annually. This strategic investment aligns with Adani Ports' ambitious goal to become the world's largest port operator by 2030.

"This project will create thousands of jobs locally and stand tall as a testament to strong neighbourly ties and shared progress" - Karan Adani
Ahmedabad, April 7: The opening of the Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT) in Sri Lanka will create thousands of jobs locally, Karan Adani, Managing Director of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), said on Monday.

Key Points

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Adani Ports invests $800M in fully automated Colombo terminal

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Project enables 3.2 million TEUs annual cargo handling

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First deep-water terminal in Colombo with advanced capabilities

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Part of 35-year Build, Operate, and Transfer agreement

Adani Ports has commenced operations at the terminal located at the Port of Colombo. The CWIT project represents a significant investment of $800 million and features a 1,400-metre quay length and 20-metre depth, enabling the terminal to handle approximately 3.2 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) annually.

"The opening of Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT) is a proud moment for Sri Lanka, elevating Colombo Port’s status as a key transshipment hub in South Asia," said Karan Adani in a post on social media platform X.

Developed by Adani Ports under a visionary public-private partnership, "this project will create thousands of jobs locally and stand tall as a testament to strong neighbourly ties and shared progress," he added.

The CWIT is the first deep-water terminal in Colombo to be fully automated, designed to enhance cargo handling capabilities, improve vessel turnaround times, and elevate the port’s status as a key transshipment hub in South Asia.

CWIT is operated by a consortium comprising India’s largest port operator, Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd, leading Sri Lankan conglomerate John Keells Holdings PLC, and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, under a 35-year Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) agreement.

Meanwhile, Adani Ports handled 450 million metric tonnes (MMT) of cargo in FY 2024-25, marking a 7 per cent year-on-year growth. Mundra, APSEZ’s flagship port, achieved a historic feat by surpassing the 200 MMT cargo mark in a single fiscal, a first for any Indian port.

The country’s largest port operator handled 420 MMT of cargo in the financial year 2023-24, surpassing the government’s 410 MMT volume.

According to Karan Adani, APSEZ aims to become the world’s largest port operator by 2030, achieve carbon neutrality by 2025, and attain net-zero emissions by 2040.

Reader Comments

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Sanjay P.
This is fantastic news for Sri Lanka's economy! 👏 The automation and job creation potential is exactly what the region needs. Hope this partnership sets an example for more cross-border collaborations in South Asia.
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Lakshmi K.
While I appreciate the job creation aspect, I hope Adani Ports ensures fair wages and proper working conditions. Sometimes these mega projects prioritize efficiency over worker welfare. The automation is impressive though!
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Rahul D.
That's a massive investment! $800M shows real commitment to developing regional infrastructure. The carbon neutrality goals are ambitious too - hope they can deliver on those promises.
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Priya M.
As someone from Colombo, I'm cautiously optimistic. We've seen big promises before that didn't translate to local benefits. But if this truly creates thousands of jobs and improves our port capabilities, it could be game-changing!
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Amit S.
The numbers are staggering - 3.2 million TEUs capacity and Mundra crossing 200 MMT! India's port infrastructure is really coming of age. This Colombo project seems like a smart strategic move for regional dominance.
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Nimal F.
I work in logistics and this terminal's automation could seriously reduce shipping times across South Asia. The 20m depth means it can handle the biggest container ships too. Big win for regional trade!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Adani Ports Karan Adani Colombo Terminal Sri Lanka Investment Maritime Infrastructure South Asian Trade
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