PM Modi Dedicates ₹8,800 Crore Vizhinjam International Seaport to the Nation

In a significant stride toward transforming India’s maritime infrastructure, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, on May 2, 2025. Developed at a cost of ₹8,800 crore, this state-of-the-art facility is set to emerge as a major transshipment hub, capable of accommodating the world’s largest cargo ships and reducing India’s dependency on foreign ports. The inauguration coincided with the birth anniversary of Adi Shankaracharya, adding spiritual resonance to the launch of this economic landmark.

Why in News?

The Vizhinjam International Seaport was dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 2, 2025, marking a major boost to India’s maritime capacity. This development comes at a crucial time when the government is focusing on coastal development under initiatives like Sagarmala, PM-Gati Shakti, and the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision, aiming to elevate India as a global trade and logistics hub.

Key Features of Vizhinjam Seaport

• Built at a cost of ₹8,800 crore.
• First deepwater, multipurpose, transshipment port in India.
• Can host the world’s largest cargo ships (over 20,000 TEU capacity).
• Located just 10 nautical miles from the international shipping route.
• Operates under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model with Adani Ports.

Objectives and Aims

• Reduce India’s dependence on foreign ports for transshipment (currently 75% done abroad).
• Enhance India’s share in global maritime trade.
• Promote economic growth in coastal states like Kerala.
• Create employment opportunities through port-linked industrial growth.

Strategic Importance

• Positioned to become a major hub for Indo-Pacific maritime trade.
• Will integrate with India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC).
• Complements India’s push under Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
• Kerala set to play a pivotal role in India’s logistics and export economy.

Policy Support

• Sagarmala Project: Modernizes port infrastructure and connectivity.
• PM-Gati Shakti: Ensures integrated planning across road, rail, air, and sea.
• Seafarer Policy Reforms: Boosted Indian seafarers from 1.25 lakh (2014) to 3.25 lakh (2024).
• Budget 2025: Push for indigenous shipbuilding and large ship construction.

Significance for Kerala

• Enhances Kerala’s historic role in maritime trade.
• Generates thousands of jobs, directly and indirectly.
• Promotes MSMEs, tourism, fisheries, and shipping industry.
• Will complement Kochi’s emerging shipbuilding and repair cluster.

Other Associated Developments

• Upgraded fishing harbors under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana.
• Integrated modern infrastructure (Vande Bharat trains, highways, bypasses).
• Major beneficiary of Jal Jeevan Mission, Ujjwala Yojana, Ayushman Bharat.