PM Modi Inaugurates Vizhinjam Seaport in Kerala, India’s First Transhipment Hub
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala, marking the launch of India’s first deep-water transhipment hub aimed at transforming maritime trade.
The inaugural event in Thiruvananthapuram saw the commissioning of the first phase of the Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport, developed by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ).
Constructed at a cost of ₹8,867 crore, the port is expected to boost India’s role in global shipping and reduce dependence on foreign transhipment hubs such as Colombo, Singapore, and Dubai.
“This port is a symbol of new-age development,” Prime Minister Modi said. “On one hand, there is the vast sea of opportunities, and on the other, the natural beauty of Kerala — and in between stands Vizhinjam Seaport.”
The event witnessed a rare moment of unity as Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, and Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani shared the dais with the Prime Minister.
Taking a swipe at the opposition INDIA bloc, Modi remarked, “I want to tell the Chief Minister, you are a strong pillar of the INDI alliance. Shashi Tharoor is also sitting here. Today’s event is going to disturb the sleep of many.”
Before addressing the port project, CM Vijayan paid tribute to the victims of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
“We must stay united against all forms of anti-national and divisive forces,” he said, while extending a warm welcome to Modi. “This commissioning marks the dawn of a new era in India’s maritime history.”
Decades in planning, the Vizhinjam project was formalised in 2015 through a public-private partnership with the Adani Group. Its deep natural draft and proximity to international shipping routes make it ideal for transhipment operations.
The port received its commercial commissioning certificate on December 4, 2024, and is now poised to attract major global shipping lines.
The Vizhinjam port is expected to decongest India’s existing ports, enhance exports, and slash logistics costs. Experts believe it will help position India as a strategic logistics hub in the Indo-Pacific region.
Further phases of the project are expected to expand port capacity and infrastructure, aligning with India’s long-term maritime vision under the Sagarmala initiative.
