Thiruvananthapuram: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Vizhinjam International Seaport in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, on Friday, marking a significant advancement in India’s maritime infrastructure. Developed by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) in partnership with the Kerala government under a public-private model, the port is poised to enhance India’s position in global shipping and trade routes.
The project, with an investment of approximately ₹8,900 crore, received its commercial go-ahead in December last year after a successful trial phase. The deep-sea port is expected to significantly boost India’s presence in global shipping and trade routes.
“Vizhinjam port will bring economic stability to Kerala and the nation,” PM Modi said at the public event after the inauguration ceremony, which was attended by Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani, and Thiruvananthapuram Congress MP Shashi Tharoor.
“On one hand, there is a big sea with so many opportunities and on the other hand, there is the beauty of nature. In between, there is this Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport, which is a symbol of new-age development,” he said.
Vizhinjam Port has been identified as a key priority project that will contribute to strengthening India’s position in global trade, enhance logistics efficiency, and reduce reliance on foreign ports for cargo transshipment. Its natural deep draft of nearly 20 meters and location near one of the world’s busiest sea trade routes further strengthens India’s position in global trade.
The Prime Minister’s Office had stated, “It is the country’s first dedicated container transshipment port that represents the transformative advancements being made in India’s maritime sector as part of the unified vision of Viksit Bharat.”
