India’s Adani Group and its partners are set to double the capacity of an $840 million container terminal in Colombo months ahead of schedule, Reuters reported, citing a project partner.
The deepwater Colombo West International Terminal, operated by China Merchants Port Holdings, is considered a key asset in the regional competition for Indian Ocean trade routes.
The first phase of the fully automated terminal under the Adani-led project opened in April, while the second and final phase is now expected to be completed by the end of 2026 — three to four months earlier than the original February 2027 deadline, according to Safir Hashim, head of transport at John Keells Holdings.
Once completed, the terminal will have the capacity to handle 3.2 million containers annually.
Adani Ports holds a 51 percent stake in the project, John Keells 34 percent, and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority the remaining share.
Hashim noted that working with Adani has been smooth, adding, “When working with Adani, there is nothing to worry about; they are a very good partner to work with.”
