“PM Modi to Inaugurate Vizhinjam Seaport, Boosting India’s Maritime Trade and Global Connectivity”
In a historic milestone for India’s maritime sector, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will dedicate the Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport to the nation on Friday, May 2, 2025. This monumental event is set to place India firmly on the global maritime map and marks one of the most significant port inaugurations in the country’s history, comparable to the opening of the Cochin Port nearly a century ago. The Vizhinjam Seaport, developed as the first dedicated container transshipment port in the country, is a landmark achievement under the unified vision of Viksit Bharat and promises to revolutionize India’s global trade dynamics.
Prime Minister Modi will arrive in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday evening and will stay overnight at the Raj Bhavan, the official residence of the Kerala Governor. On Friday morning, the Prime Minister will take a helicopter ride from Pangode helipad to the Vizhinjam Port helipad, reaching at around 10:05 am. Upon arrival, he will first visit the port’s operations building to inspect the advanced control systems and interact with the staff overseeing the seaport’s logistics and operations. Following this, he will proceed to the berth to observe live container-handling operations, showcasing the port’s operational readiness and cutting-edge technology.
The official commissioning ceremony is scheduled for 11:00 am and will be held at a specially arranged venue at the port entrance, with a seating capacity for 7,500 attendees. The event will witness the presence of key dignitaries including Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Ministers Suresh Gopi and George Kurian, as well as state ministers and Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani. Prime Minister Modi is also expected to address the public, highlighting the strategic importance and long-term economic benefits of the Vizhinjam Port.
Developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, the Vizhinjam Seaport is a joint effort between the Kerala government and the Adani Group, with the agreement signed in 2015. The project reached a critical stage in October 2023 when the cargo ship ‘Shen Hua 15A’ arrived carrying essential cranes from China. Trial operations began on July 13, 2024, and the port officially commenced commercial services on December 3, 2024. Since then, Vizhinjam Port has handled over 246 container ships and processed over 5 lakh TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) of cargo, generating a total revenue of Rs 243 crore.
Strategically located near one of the world’s busiest international shipping lanes, Vizhinjam offers a natural deep draft of nearly 20 metres, making it an ideal transshipment hub that significantly reduces India’s dependency on foreign ports like Colombo, Singapore, and Dubai. The port has been assigned the international location code ‘IN TRV 01’ and stands out as the only Indian port with such proximity and direct access to global shipping lanes. This strategic positioning is expected to dramatically enhance India’s logistics efficiency, promote cost-effective cargo movement, and boost international trade.
The commissioning of the Vizhinjam Seaport not only represents a leap forward in India’s port infrastructure but also aligns with the broader goal of transforming India into a global logistics powerhouse. With world-class facilities and immense cargo-handling capacity, the port is poised to become a game-changer in maritime trade. As Thiruvananthapuram undergoes high-security measures in preparation for the Prime Minister’s visit, the nation looks forward to this transformative moment that promises to redefine India’s presence in the global shipping industry.
For video news, visit our YouTube channel THE OLIGO.
