Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated Kerala government’s flagship project, Vizhinjam International Seaport in Thiruvananthapuram. Commissioning the deep-water multipurpose seaport, the Prime Minister called it a “significant advancement” in India’s maritime infrastructure.
The event was attended by several other dignitaries, including Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Adani Group chair Gautam Adani and Thiruvananthapuram Congress MP Shashi Tharoor.
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Stating that the port will bring economic stability to Kerala and the nation, the Prime Minister pointed out that on the 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 the Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport, which is a symbol of new-age development,” he noted.
The prime minister explained the capacity of the port, considered as India’s first deep-water transshipment port, that it could accommodate large cargo ships, addressing critical requirements. “Until now, 75 percent of India’s transshipment activities were conducted at foreign ports, resulting in significant revenue losses for the country,” the Prime Minister said.
The Prime Minister further pointed out that the funds previously spent abroad will now be channeled into domestic development, creating new economic opportunities for the people of Vizhinjam and Kerala, ensuring that the nation’s wealth directly benefits its citizens.
A company fully owned by the Government of Kerala, the port received its commercial commissioning certificate in December 2024. Developed by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) under a public-private partnership, the port is expected to create immense business potential, logistics and employment opportunities.
The project was completed at an estimated cost of Rs 8,867 crore. Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday said that the port is the largest-ever state investment in any port in the country, noting that two-thirds of the cost was borne by the Government of Kerala.
The chief minister pointed out the state government provided Rs 5,370 crore and 86 lakh out of 8,867 crore, while the Union Government allotted Rs 818 crore as part of the VGF (Viability Gap Funding) with the condition of sharing the port’s revenue. The rest of the fund – around Rs 2,497 crore-was borne by Adani Ports.
