Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India], May 2 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Vizhinjam seaport in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday, describing the development as a major milestone for India’s maritime sector. PM Modi emphasized that the Vizhinjam port will significantly boost trade and commerce and particularly benefit Kerala’s economy.
In his speech, PM Modi recalled India’s historical maritime strength, stating that before colonial rule, India had prospered due to its maritime capabilities. He highlighted Kerala’s contribution to global trade, which had been fueled by the state’s port cities and thriving trade activities across the Arabian Sea.
The “Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport” was developed under a public-private partnership with Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) at an estimated cost of Rs 8,900 crore. It is India’s first dedicated deep-water container transshipment port, designed to accommodate some of the world’s largest cargo ships.
During the inauguration, PM Modi noted that Kerala is positioned strategically in the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor, which will bring substantial economic benefits to the region. He stated that this ambitious project is part of a larger vision to elevate India’s maritime sector, with the private sector playing a key role.
PM Modi also underscored the port’s potential to triple its capacity in the coming years. He pointed out that, until now, 75% of India’s transshipment operations were conducted at foreign ports, which led to a significant revenue outflow. This new development, he said, will not only retain that revenue within the country but also create new economic opportunities for Kerala and its people.
The event, attended by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, and Union Ministers, marks a key moment in India’s efforts to modernize its port infrastructure. PM Modi further stressed that the government’s initiatives under the Sagarmala Project and PM Gati Shakti are transforming port connectivity and logistics efficiency across the country.
He praised India’s progress in maritime operations, noting a 30% reduction in ship turnaround times over the last decade, which has increased operational efficiency and cargo handling. India has also doubled its port capacity and expanded its National Waterways eightfold, placing two of its ports among the top 30 globally.
The Prime Minister concluded by emphasizing that Kerala’s maritime sector will continue to grow, creating thousands of new jobs and turning the state into a major center for global maritime trade.
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