Adani Group Deserves Appreciation For Vizhinjam International Seaport: Pinarayi Vijayan

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan praised the Adani Group for their work on the Vizhinjam International Seaport in Thiruvananthapuram, which will celebrate its first mothership, San Fernando, on July 12. Vijayan highlighted the seaport’s significance as a monumental moment in Kerala’s maritime history and as a testament to the Left Democratic Front government’s commitment to development.

With a total investment of ₹8,867 Cr, including ₹5,595 Cr from the state government and ₹818 Cr from the central government, the port is expected to create over 5,000 direct jobs and significantly boost industry, commerce, transportation, and tourism sectors.

Vijayan commended the Adani Group, noting, “Adani Group, the builders and operators of the port, deserve appreciation for their efforts in ensuring the completion of this project.” He emphasized the success of the public-private partnership, stating, “Vizhinjam Port exemplifies a successful public-private partnership, highlighting the potential of collaborative development.” He invited the public to join the celebration, adding, “Join us in celebrating this historic achievement that marks a new era of progress and prosperity for Kerala.”

The project had witnessed protests in the past. In 2022, fisherfolk under the Latin Catholic diocese of Thiruvananthapuram protested the ₹7,500 Cr project, alleging it would cause coastal erosion and damage livelihoods. This escalated into violence with 36 police officers injured, and the archdiocese claimed their bank accounts were frozen by the Union government. Despite the Kerala High Court’s order to allow project access, tensions continued as protesters blocked vehicles, leading to arrests and further clashes. The Adani Group denied the allegations, attributing coastal erosion to climate change.