Vizhinjam International Seaport Inaugurated by PM Modi, Heralds New Era for Kerala’s Economic Growth
Thiruvananthapuram, May 2, 2025 – In a landmark event for India’s maritime sector, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the Vizhinjam International Seaport to the nation today, marking the culmination of a transformative project poised to redefine Kerala’s role in global trade. The ₹8,900 crore deepwater transshipment hub, developed by Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd. in a public-private partnership, was inaugurated in the presence of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, and Union Ministers Suresh Prabhu and George Kurien, among other dignitaries.
The Vizhinjam International Seaport, located just 10 nautical miles from major international shipping routes, is India’s first dedicated container transshipment port. With a natural draft of 20-24 meters, it ranks among the deepest ports in the country, capable of handling the world’s largest container ships. The port welcomed its first mothership, the container carrier San Fernando, on July 11, 2024, and in April 2025, it hosted the MSC Türkiye, the world’s largest eco-friendly container ship, signaling its readiness for global operations.
Speaking at the event, PM Modi emphasized the port’s potential to reshape India’s maritime landscape. “For too long, 75% of India’s transshipment operations were handled by foreign ports like Colombo and Singapore, leading to significant revenue losses. Vizhinjam changes that narrative. India’s money will now serve India, creating new economic opportunities for Kerala and its people,” he said. He also noted that coastal states and port cities like Vizhinjam will become key growth centers for a Viksit Bharat (Developed India).
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who has overseen the project with monthly and weekly reviews, hailed the inauguration as a testament to Kerala’s resilience. “What was once deemed impossible has now become a defining milestone in our development journey. Vizhinjam will unlock new horizons of opportunity and growth for Kerala in the international maritime sector,” he said, extending gratitude to all stakeholders, including the central government and Adani Group, for their collaboration. Vijayan’s remarks come despite past criticisms of the Adani Group by his party, the CPI(M), highlighting a pragmatic shift in the state’s approach to public-private partnerships.
The port’s first phase, now operational, is designed to handle 1.5 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) annually—50% more than its initial target. With a total investment of ₹20,000 crore planned across all phases, Vizhinjam is projected to become a global transshipment hub by 2028. The Kerala government has contributed significantly, funding two-thirds of the project’s cost (₹4,200 crore of the total ₹7,200 crore initial estimate), alongside ₹818 crore each from the state and central governments as viability gap funding (VGF). The Adani Group, which will operate the port for 40 years, has invested the remainder.
Strategically located near Kovalam Beach, the port is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, including the tallest STS Super Post-Panamax crane in India, boasting an outreach of 72 meters and a lifting height of 74 meters. Plans for a railway connection, featuring the third-longest railway tunnel in India, are underway to enhance cargo connectivity with the national network. Additionally, the Government of India has approved a ₹6,200 crore ring road to link Vizhinjam with other regions, fostering the development of an industrial corridor.
The port’s commissioning has sparked widespread reactions. While supporters on X praised the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government for its vision, some users noted the irony of the CPI(M) and Congress, historically critical of Adani, now embracing the project. One user remarked, “Impossible is now possible. Communists shaking Adani’s hand and embracing capitalism in Kerala.” Others highlighted the absence of Rajeev Chandrasekhar, a prominent political figure, from official photos, leading to humorous commentary online.
Economically, Vizhinjam is set to transform Kerala’s industrial landscape. Its proximity to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (20 km) and planned railway connectivity positions the region as a new gateway to India. The port is expected to create jobs, spur ancillary industries, and attract investment in logistics parks, with several investors already expressing interest. Competing with international hubs like Colombo, Salalah, and Singapore, Vizhinjam aims to capture a significant share of India’s transshipment traffic, reducing dependency on foreign ports.As the port begins commercial operations, its impact on Kerala’s economy and India’s maritime infrastructure is undeniable. Vizhinjam International Seaport stands as a symbol of ambition, collaboration, and the promise of a brighter economic future for the region.
