Thiruvananthapuram, May 2: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, on Friday, hailing it as a transformative project for India’s maritime trade and economic development—especially for Kerala. Developed at an estimated cost of ₹8,900 crore under a public-private partnership with Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd, Vizhinjam becomes India’s first deep-water, dedicated container transshipment port.
Speaking at the event, PM Modi called the port a symbol of “new-age development,” strategically positioned between the vast Arabian Sea and Kerala’s natural beauty. “Before the colonial era, India thrived economically due to its maritime strength, and Kerala played a key role. The Vizhinjam port revives that legacy,” he said.
The Prime Minister arrived Thursday night and visited the port via helicopter Friday morning to assess its readiness before the official launch. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Governor Rajendra Arlekar, Adani Group Chairperson Gautam Adani, and several union ministers were present at the ceremony.
PM Modi emphasized Vizhinjam’s importance in the context of global trade corridors, particularly referencing India’s role in the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor initiated during the G20 Summit. He underlined that Kerala’s location places it at the heart of future maritime commerce.
He announced that the port’s capacity is expected to triple, making it capable of handling the world’s largest cargo ships. He noted that 75% of India’s transshipment previously occurred at foreign ports, leading to a loss of national revenue—a trend Vizhinjam is set to reverse.
Highlighting Kerala’s ancient maritime heritage, Modi said ships from the region were once vital links in global commerce. “Now, with Vizhinjam, Kerala will regain its place as a major trade hub,” he declared.
The Prime Minister detailed several national initiatives such as Sagarmala, PM Gati Shakti, and reforms in Indian seafarer regulations, all aimed at boosting the maritime economy. He pointed out that the number of Indian seafarers has tripled, and India now ranks in the top three globally in this sector.
Modi also touted improvements in port efficiency, stating that ship turnaround time at major ports has decreased by 30% over the last decade, enabling faster cargo handling and strengthening India’s logistics infrastructure.
India has doubled port capacity and expanded its National Waterways eightfold, he said. The country is now among the top 20 shipbuilding nations, with plans for a shipbuilding and repair cluster in Kochi, creating thousands of jobs.
He added that the 2024 Union Budget introduced incentives for building large ships in India, which will support MSMEs and generate employment. Modi cited progress in Kerala’s road and rail infrastructure, including stalled projects like the Kollam and Alappuzha Bypasses, and the launch of Vande Bharat trains in the state.
Calling Vizhinjam a priority national project, PM Modi said it will strengthen India’s global trade position, reduce dependence on foreign ports, and create thousands of direct and indirect jobs in Kerala. With a natural depth of nearly 20 meters and proximity to key global sea routes, the port is set to become a cornerstone of India’s maritime future.