Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Vizhinjam International Seaport in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala on Friday. The Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) developed the project in partnership with the government. They followed a public-private partnership model.
Project Cost and Approval
The port cost around ₹8,900 crore. It received commercial clearance in December 2023 after a successful trial phase. Officials expect the port to play a big role in expanding India’s influence in global shipping.
At the public event, PM Modi said, “Vizhinjam port will bring economic stability to Kerala and the nation.” Several key leaders joined him, including Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani, and Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor.
Government Calls It a Priority Project
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) described the seaport as a priority project. It said the port will help India strengthen its global trade presence. It will also improve logistics and reduce dependence on foreign ports for cargo handling.
Strategic Location and Deep-Water Advantage
According to the PMO, “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 port’s location and depth will allow it to handle large container ships efficiently.
India’s First Container Transshipment Hub
The PMO also said, “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.” This port will help India handle transshipment cargo within its borders, instead of relying on ports in other countries.
Yesterday Kerala CM tweeted on X, “Tomorrow will be a historic day as Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi dedicates the Vizhinjam International Seaport to the nation. This milestone project, the largest state-backed port investment in India, showcases Kerala’s strong focus on development, with the state covering two-thirds of the total cost. The launch of Vizhinjam Port signals a new era in India’s maritime sector, strengthening the country’s position on the global trade map.”
Tomorrow marks a historic moment as Shri Narendra Modi ji, the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, dedicates the Vizhinjam International Seaport to the nation. This landmark project – the largest-ever state investment in any port in the country, with two-thirds of the cost borne by… pic.twitter.com/kPk0PVIWpU
— Pinarayi Vijayan (@pinarayivijayan) May 1, 2025
