Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the ₹8,800 crore Vizhinjam International Seaport to the nation on May 2, 2025, in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, marking a major milestone in India’s maritime infrastructure and economic development
Key Highlights of the Inauguration
· The inauguration coincided with the birth anniversary of Adi Shankaracharya, adding cultural and spiritual significance to the event. PM Modi reflected on India’s rich maritime history and Kerala’s pivotal role in global trade, emphasizing that the port would restore India’s maritime prowess and economic strength
· The event was attended by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Congress MP Shashi Tharoor. The Prime Minister described the port as a “symbol of new-age development” and a transformative project for India’s maritime sector
Features and Strategic Importance
· India’s First Deepwater Transshipment Port: Vizhinjam is the country’s first dedicated deep-water container transshipment port, capable of handling the world’s largest cargo ships (over 20,000 TEU capacity)
· Strategic Location: Situated just 10 nautical miles from the international shipping route, the port is ideally positioned to attract global shipping traffic and reclaim a significant share of India’s outbound cargo currently routed through foreign ports like Colombo, Singapore, and Klang.
· Modern Infrastructure: The port features semi-automated, AI-enabled systems and is developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model with Adani Ports6
· Phased Development: The project will be completed in three phases, with the first phase offering a capacity of 1 million TEUs and future expansion up to 6.2 million TEUs
Economic and National Impact
· Reducing Foreign Dependency: Nearly 75% of India’s transshipment cargo has historically been handled at foreign ports, resulting in revenue loss. Vizhinjam aims to reverse this trend, keeping economic benefits within India and generating new opportunities for Kerala and the nation.
· Job Creation and Coastal Development: The port is expected to create thousands of jobs and boost the regional economy, supporting MSMEs and ancillary industries8
· Support for National Initiatives: The project aligns with government programs like Sagarmala, PM-Gati Shakti, and the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision, aiming to make India a global trade and logistics hub.
Facilities and Future Prospects
· Port Infrastructure: The port includes multiple breakwaters, a harbor basin, wharfs, container terminals, a cruise terminal, and facilities for the Indian Navy and Coast Guard.
· Cruise Terminal: The port will feature a dedicated cruise terminal capable of accommodating the world’s largest cruise ships, further boosting tourism and economic activity in Kerala.
· Expansion Plans: Additional phases will add more berths and increase capacity, with completion of major facilities expected by 2026.
The Vizhinjam International Seaport, inaugurated by PM Modi, is poised to transform India’s maritime landscape, strengthen economic self-reliance, and restore Kerala’s historical role as a global trade hub. The project’s scale, strategic location, and modern facilities make it a landmark in India’s journey toward becoming a leading maritime nation.
