PM Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Vizhinjam International Seaport

On May 2, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Vizhinjam International Seaport near Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. This marks a major milestone in India’s maritime infrastructure as it becomes the country’s first semi-automated and truly deep-water international container transshipment port. The project is a result of a collaborative Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between the Kerala government, the Centre, and Adani Ports. With a strategic location close to international shipping routes, the port is expected to significantly enhance India’s trade capabilities and position Kerala as a crucial maritime hub.

Key Highlights

• Inauguration Date: May 2, 2025
• By: Prime Minister Narendra Modi
• Location: Vizhinjam, near Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
• Status: India’s first semi-automated deepwater international container transshipment port
• Handled so far: 265 ships and 5.48 lakh TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) since its commercial launch
• Key Milestone: First Mother Ship, MV San Fernando, docked in July 2024

Project Details

• Mode of Development: Public-Private Partnership (PPP)
• Partners: Government of Kerala + Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Ltd. (AVPPL)
• Year of Concession Agreement: 2015
• Total Investment: Over ₹18,000 crore
• Significance: First Greenfield port project initiated by a state government in India

Strategic Importance

• Proximity to international shipping routes reduces transit times for vessels
• Natural deep-water port allows docking of large cargo/container ships
• Boosts regional trade with Southeast Asia, Middle East, and Africa
• Job creation and economic growth for Kerala
• Supports India’s “Make in India” initiative through infrastructure advancement

Adani Group’s Role

• Operates 7 ports on the west coast (e.g., Mundra, Hazira, Vizhinjam)
• Operates 8 ports on the east coast (e.g., Dhamra, Krishnapatnam)
• Manages international ports: Haifa Port (Israel), Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), and Colombo Port (Sri Lanka)
• Handles 27% of India’s total port volumes