Vizhinjam Port: A ₹8,867 Crore Triumph for Indian Infrastructure

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has officially inaugurated the Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport in Kerala, a landmark development in India's maritime infrastructure. Built at a cost of ₹8,867 crore, Vizhinjam is India’s first dedicated container transshipment port and plays a crucial role in the central government’s ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision to modernize logistics and reduce dependency on foreign ports.

Strategically positioned near the major international east-west shipping routes, Vizhinjam aims to redirect a significant portion of India’s transshipment cargo—currently funneled through ports like Colombo and Singapore—back to domestic shores. This shift is expected to cut logistics costs, retain revenue within the country, and spur regional economic growth.

During the inauguration, PM Modi emphasized the strategic and economic importance of the port. “Vizhinjam will accommodate the world’s largest cargo ships, fulfilling a long-standing need. With 75% of India’s transshipment previously handled abroad, we lost valuable revenue. Now, that money will stay within India, driving development and creating opportunities, particularly for the people of Vizhinjam and Kerala,” he stated.

The port was developed by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) in collaboration with the Kerala government. Construction began in December 2015, and after successful trial runs, commercial operations commenced in December 2023. The completion of Vizhinjam Port marks a significant milestone under India’s port-led development initiative.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.