10 Must-Know Facts About Vizhinjam International Seaport: A Game-Changer Commissioned by PM Modi in Kerala Today
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to officially commission the Vizhinjam International Seaport today, solidifying Kerala’s position on the global maritime map. Located in Thiruvananthapuram, this strategic development is poised to redefine India’s role in international trade and shipping, according to the Press Trust of India (PTI). Developed by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), India’s largest port developer, the deep-water port marks a significant investment under a public-private partnership and was completed at an estimated cost of ₹8,867 crore.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed excitement, stating, “Tomorrow marks a historic moment as Shri Narendra Modi ji dedicates the Vizhinjam International Seaport to the nation.” The port caters primarily to container transshipment, multi-purpose, and break-bulk cargo. As India’s first dedicated transshipment and semi-automated port, it represents a major step forward, with the state bearing two-thirds of the investment.
Strategically, Vizhinjam is just 10 nautical miles from the bustling international shipping route connecting Europe, the Persian Gulf, and the Far East. This advantageous location positions it as a global transshipment hub, offering direct access without deviation for the substantial maritime trade along the East-West axis.
Historically, about 75 percent of India’s transshipment containers were managed by Colombo Port in Sri Lanka. The development of Vizhinjam is expected to reclaim much of this traffic, thereby reducing foreign exchange losses. The port features India’s deepest breakwater, extending nearly three kilometers, marking a significant engineering feat.
Commencing trial operations in July, Vizhinjam transitioned to full commercial operations by December. During its trial phase, over 272 large vessels docked, handling more than 550,000 containers. Equipped with automated yard cranes and ship-to-shore cranes, it ensures faster and safer operations. Additionally, it boasts India’s first AI-powered Vessel Traffic Management System, designed with IIT Madras. All formal agreements, including the Viability Gap Funding agreement, have been concluded.
In early 2025, Vizhinjam topped the list for container cargo handling along India’s southern and western coasts, managing over 100,000 TEUs monthly. A notable milestone was welcoming MSC Turkey, one of the largest cargo ships to dock in India. Vizhinjam’s inclusion in MSC’s Jade Service, a key cargo route between Europe and Asia, highlights its growing significance as South Asia’s primary hub.
By 2028, the next construction phase aims to expand the port’s annual capacity to at least 3 million TEUs at a cost of ₹10,000 crore, fully funded by Adani Ports. Plans to develop Vizhinjam as a multi-modal hub are underway, with direct road access to National Highway 66 and a railway link to the national network on the horizon.
The project, initially awarded to APSEZ after a 2015 agreement with the Government of Kerala and Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Ltd., has seen Vizhinjam excel in cargo movements, handling over 1 lakh TEUs monthly. Once all four phases are operational by 2034, Adani Vizhinjam Port will share revenue with the government.
The commissioning of Vizhinjam International Seaport significantly marks a new chapter in India’s maritime journey, strengthening the nation’s presence on the global stage.
Original Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/india/10-things-to-know-about-the-vizhinjam-international-seaport-that-pm-modi-will-commission-in-kerala-toda-11746154832068.html
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Publish Date: 2025-05-02 10:59:00
