Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd. (APSEZ), India’s largest integrated transport utility, has officially commenced operations at the Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT) in Sri Lanka. Developed under a landmark 35-year Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) agreement, CWIT is a joint venture between APSEZ, Sri Lanka’s John Keells Holdings PLC, and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority.
With an investment of USD 800 million, CWIT is designed to revolutionize regional maritime logistics. The terminal boasts a 1,400-metre quay length and a 20-metre depth, enabling it to handle around 3.2 million TEUs annually. It is the first fully automated deep-water terminal in Colombo, built to improve cargo handling, boost vessel turnaround times, and strengthen the port’s role as a premier transshipment hub in South Asia.
Construction began in early 2022 and has rapidly progressed to near completion, integrating state-of-the-art infrastructure and automation systems. This milestone underscores APSEZ’s capability in executing large-scale infrastructure projects efficiently and on time.
Mr. Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, remarked, “CWIT is a testament to the strong India-Sri Lanka partnership. It will generate thousands of jobs, add immense economic value to Sri Lanka, and reinforce the island’s position on the global maritime map.”
The launch of CWIT not only enhances regional connectivity and trade but also sets new benchmarks for operational efficiency in South Asia’s logistics sector. As a flagship example of public–private collaboration, the terminal highlights the transformative power of strategic infrastructure development in fostering regional cooperation and economic growth.
