Adani Ports Share Price Rallies After Signing Agreement With Kerala Government

Adani Ports' share price surged around 2% on Friday after the announcement of signing a supplementary concession agreement with the Kerala government to enhance the development of the Vizhinjam Seaport. The agreement was signed by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, marking a key milestone in the project aimed at bolstering the state's international maritime infrastructure.

Under the terms of the agreement, Adani Ports will continue the phased development of the Vizhinjam International Seaport. The first phase is expected to be commissioned next month, while the second and third phases are slated for completion by 2028. The Chief Minister announced on X (formerly Twitter) that this expansion will involve an additional investment of Rs 10,000 crore, which will increase the port's capacity to handle 30 lakh twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).

The project has faced delays due to external challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters, including the Ockhi cyclone and devastating floods in the region. As a result, the timeline for the completion of the port has been extended by five years. The agreement stipulates that if the project is not fully completed by 2028, the five-year extension will be canceled, and the state government will collect the withheld funds.

This agreement marks a significant boost for Adani Ports, with the company focused on expanding its global maritime footprint. The Vizhinjam project is expected to improve global connectivity and position Kerala as a key player in the international shipping and logistics sector.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) has reaffirmed its commitment to the Colombo West International Terminal Project, a $1 billion investment by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone. The project is set to be the largest foreign direct investment (FDI) in Sri Lanka's port sector. SLPA Chairman Admiral Sirimewan Ranasinghe emphasised that there are no plans to reassess or terminate the agreement, underscoring Adani Group’s role in the region’s port development.

The scrip rose as much as 1.64% to 1,186.75 apiece. It pared gains to trade 1.10% higher at Rs 1,180.50 apiece, as of 09:24 a.m. This compares to a 0.19% advance in the NSE Nifty 50 Index.

It has risen 41.28% in the last 12 months. The relative strength index was at 39.

Out of 18 analysts tracking the company, 16 maintain a 'buy' rating, two recommend a 'hold,' and zero suggest 'sell,' according to Bloomberg data. The average 12-month consensus price target implies an downside/upside of 49.3%.