The Vizhinjam International Deep Water Multipurpose Seaport is the largest infrastructure project currently underway in Kerala and visible from the southern end of Kovalam's coastline. Construction began in 2015 and has been marked by significant delays and, from 2022, sustained protests by the Latin Catholic fishing community whose livelihoods depend on the waters now enclosed by the breakwater construction. The protest movement, led by a local bishop, lasted over 100 days and drew national attention.
The port's scale is genuinely impressive from the outside. The breakwater extends well into the sea, the cranes are visible from Lighthouse Beach on clear days, and the transformation of what was a small fishing anchorage into industrial port infrastructure is striking. Whether this represents progress or displacement depends entirely on who you ask — the fishing community's anger is real and their concerns about shoreline erosion and loss of fishing grounds have been partially validated by studies.
As a visitor, the port is not a place to visit — it is a construction site under heavy security — but understanding its presence explains something about the tension in Vizhinjam village and the uncertain future of this stretch of coast. The World Bank and the Kerala government have funded coastal erosion studies linked to the project.