Marking a transformative leap in India’s maritime infrastructure, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Vizhinjam International Seaport on Friday in Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram district. Developed under a public-private partnership model by Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd, the Rs 8,867-crore project stands as India’s first dedicated deep-water transshipment hub.
Strategically located just 10 nautical miles from key international shipping lanes, Vizhinjam Seaport is equipped with semi-automated, AI-driven cargo handling systems. It is designed to recapture a significant share of India’s outbound cargo, a considerable portion of which is currently handled by foreign ports such as Colombo, Singapore, and Dubai. Since its trial operations began in July 2024, and with full-scale functioning starting in December, the port has already handled over 550,000 containers and welcomed more than 270 large vessels.
The port’s deep draft of 20 meters, capacity to handle Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs), and seamless connectivity with major global shipping lines underscore its significance in India’s maritime roadmap. With plans for integrated multimodal logistics, Vizhinjam is poised to play a pivotal role in boosting exports, reducing logistics costs, and reinforcing India’s position as a global trade hub.
Welcoming the Prime Minister to his constituency, senior Congress leader and Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor shared photographs on social media of himself greeting Modi upon arrival. “Despite delays at the dysfunctional Delhi airport, managed to land in Thiruvananthapuram in time to receive Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his arrival in my constituency,” Tharoor posted. He added, “Looking forward to his officially commissioning Vizhinjam port, a project I have been proud to have been involved with since its inception.”
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, in a post on X ahead of the inauguration, highlighted the scale and ambition of the project. “The port represents the largest investment ever made by any Indian state in a port project, with two-thirds of the cost borne by the Kerala government,” he stated. Calling the commissioning a “historic moment,” Vijayan said the port opens a “new chapter” in India’s maritime development.
As India aims to modernize its infrastructure and expand its share in global trade, Vizhinjam International Seaport is expected to serve as a cornerstone in this strategic endeavor—enhancing regional development, attracting global shipping alliances, and strengthening India’s blue economy.
