Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the ‘Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport’ worth Rs 8,900 crore. The inauguration marked the first phase of the country’s first international deepwater transhipment project in Kerala. It is the country’s first dedicated container transhipment port, and represents the transformative advancements being made in India’s maritime sector as part of the Viksit Bharat vision. Vizhinjam is an automated port which is equipped with state of the art that offers large scale automation for quick turnaround of vessels including capacity to handle megamax containerships.
PM Modi in his address, after the inauguration of the port, called it a symbol of new-age development. He said, “On one hand, there is this big sea with so many opportunities and on the other hand, there is beauty of nature, in between there is this ‘Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport’, which is a symbol of new-age development.”
Vizhinjam Seaport To Transform India’s Maritime Sector
The Vizhinjam International Transhipment Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport is an ambitious project taken up by the Government of Kerala. The port is currently being developed in a landlord model with a Public Private Partnership component on a design, build, finance, operate and transfer basis. The private partner, the Concessionaire Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Limited had commenced the construction on December 5, 2015. Vizhinjam’s strategic location near international shipping routes significantly reduces transit times for vessels, making it a key point for maritime trade.
The port also stands as India’s few natural deep-water ports, and can accommodate large cargo and container ships. The functioning of this port will boost Kerala’s economic growth by creating jobs, enhancing trade, and attracting investments. It is expected to emerge as a key player in regional trade, by serving as a gateway for commerce between Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
It has also been identified as a port that will contribute to strengthen India’s position in global trade, enhance logistics efficiency, and reduce reliance on foreign ports for cargo transhipment. Notably, its natural deep draft of nearly 20 meters and location near one of the world’s busiest sea trade routes further strengthen India’s position in global trade.
Earlier speaking on the project, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal said, “This is the testament of the vision of ‘Make in India’ where a PPP collaboration among Govt. of Kerala, Govt. of India as well as the Adani Port SEZ has created a wonderful asset for growth of India’s maritime sector. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, India is equipping and enabling entrepreneurial ventures and collaborating as and when required to build capacity for the cause of nation building. This is a big step towards realisation of the vision of PM Narendra Modi ji of creating world class port infrastructure in the country.
