Port to Curb Foreign Transshipment Dependence; Modi Jabs Opposition, Highlights Maritime Legacy and Future Potential
Thiruvananthapuram: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday formally commissioned the Vizhinjam International Seaport, a deep-water transshipment hub built at an estimated cost of ₹8,867 crore, declaring it a landmark project that will bring economic stability to both Kerala and India.
Speaking at the event, Modi highlighted the strategic and economic importance of the port, saying it would significantly reduce India's dependence on foreign ports for transshipment—currently at 75%, resulting in massive revenue outflow. “This will now change. The wealth generated will stay within the country, boosting local development in Vizhinjam and Kerala,” he said.
Taking a political swipe, Modi addressed Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan—whom he called a “pillar of the INDIA bloc”—and Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, saying the inauguration might give “sleepless nights” to some. A mistranslation during his speech prompted the PM to quip, “The message has gone across to whom it was meant.”
The PM also humorously remarked that people in Gujarat might be upset with Gautam Adani, as the massive project by his company was built in Kerala, not his home state.
Modi emphasized that India is among the top three nations globally in terms of seafarers, and that in the last decade, port capacity has doubled, efficiency has improved, and turnaround time has reduced by 30%. He credited the government's policy focus on infrastructure, ease of doing business, and maritime growth for this progress.
He also pointed to India's historical maritime strength, especially Kerala’s key role in global trade centuries ago, saying the Vizhinjam port is a step towards reclaiming that legacy.
Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar, CM Vijayan, Gautam Adani, and Shashi Tharoor attended the event. Modi toured the port wearing a hard hat before officially launching its first phase, which received its commercial commissioning certificate on December 4, 2023.
Developed under a public-private partnership by Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd (APSEZ), the port is expected to transform India's global shipping role, with tripled transshipment capacity projected soon.
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