DELHI/THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, 2 May (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially inaugurated the Vizhinjam International Seaport on May 2, highlighting the project’s completion at an estimated cost of Rs 8,867 crore. He emphasized that this facility will enhance economic stability for both Kerala and India. During his speech, he referred to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan as a pillar of the opposition INDIA bloc and jokingly noted that the event would cause sleepless nights for many, including Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who was present on stage. There was a translation error during the event, prompting Modi to affirm that the message has gone across to whom it was meant.
Modi outlined India’s growth in maritime sectors, stating that the country ranks among the top three globally for the number of seafarers. In the past decade, he noted, India’s port capacity has doubled, efficiency has improved significantly, and turnaround times have decreased by 30%. He mentioned that the Vizhinjam seaport, constructed at a cost of Rs 8,800 crore, is designed to be a major transshipment hub, with plans to triple its capacity in the near future.
Previously, 75% of India’s transshipment activities occurred at foreign ports, leading to substantial revenue losses. However, Modi asserted that with the new port, funds that would have been spent overseas will now support domestic growth, creating economic opportunities for the local population in Vizhinjam and Kerala. He expressed that the nation’s wealth should directly benefit its citizens.
In a light-hearted remark, he also noted that the residents of Gujarat might feel disappointed with Gautam Adani, chairman of the Adani Group, for establishing such a significant port in Kerala, given his roots in the western Indian state.
The Prime Minister highlighted the significant changes in the nation, particularly referencing State Ports Minister V N Vasavan’s mention of the Adani Group as a partner of the Communist government. He spoke about India’s prosperous historical legacy, noting that it once held a substantial share of the global GDP, largely due to its advanced maritime capabilities and active port cities, with Kerala playing a crucial role in that success.
Modi emphasized that realising the full potential of the port economy requires a focus on infrastructure development and enhancing the ease of doing business. He stated that this approach has been central to the government’s policies regarding ports and waterways over the past decade, leading to notable advancements in industrial activities and overall state development.
During his visit, the PM arrived by helicopter from Thiruvananthapuram and toured the transshipment hub while donned in a hard hat. He was present for the commissioning of the port’s first phase, alongside various dignitaries, including Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar, Chief Minister Vijayan, Gautam Adani, and Tharoor. This deep-water port, located in the Thiruvananthapuram district, is anticipated to redefine India’s position in international trade and shipping.
Developed by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), India’s leading port developer and part of the Adani Group, the project has been undertaken in a public-private partnership. Following a successful trial run, it was granted its commercial commissioning certificate on December 4 of the previous year, marking a significant milestone in the transformation of India’s maritime infrastructure.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
