Prime Minister dedicates Vizhinjam International Deepwater Seaport to the nation
Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi on Friday dedicated the Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport worth Rs 8,800 crore to the nation in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister emphasised that the port has emerged as a symbol of new age development. He extended his congratulations to the people of Kerala and the entire nation on this remarkable achievement.
The Prime Minister remarked that the capacity of this transhipment hub will triple in the coming years, enabling the smooth arrival of some of the world's largest cargo ships. He pointed out that 75% of India’s transhipment operations were previously conducted at foreign ports, leading to significant revenue loss for the country. Emphasising that this situation is now set to change, he asserted that India’s money will now serve India and the funds that once flowed outside the country will now generate new economic opportunities for Kerala and Vizhinjam’s people.
Vizhinjam Port, having strategic importance, has been identified as a key priority project that will contribute to strengthening India’s position in global trade, enhance logistics efficiency and reduce reliance on foreign ports for cargo transhipment. Its natural deep draft of nearly 20 metres and location near one of the world's busiest sea trade routes further strengthens India’s position in global trade.
Genesis of the project
It was in August 2015 that the Kerala government signed an agreement with Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd (APSEZ) to develop the Vizhinjam International Deepwater Seaport under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. This marked a significant step towards realising the long-standing vision of a world class port in the region. The agreement granted Adani a 40-year concession to build, operate and transfer the port, with a provision for a 20-year extension.
Current status and strategic significance
As of May 2025, the Vizhinjam International Seaport stands as a testament to India’s maritime ambitions.
Operational Milestones: The port commenced trial operations in July 2024, receiving its first mothership, the San Fernando. In September 2024 and April 2025, it welcomed the MSC Claude Girarde and MSC Türkiye, listed among the world’s ultra large container vessels and the largest vessels that ever visited an Indian port. Since starting operations, the port has handled more than 280 vessels and 6 lakh TEUs.
Infrastructure Highlights: The port boasts a natural deep draft of 18 m close to shore that requires no capital dredging. Vizhinjam can leverage its natural depth to host even ultra-large next-gen container ships requiring 20 m+ drafts. It features India’s tallest ship-to-shore cranes and is equipped with AI-powered vessel traffic management systems.
Strategic Location: Situated just 10 nautical miles from the international east-west shipping route, Vizhinjam is poised to become a pivotal transhipment hub, reducing India’s reliance on ports like Colombo, Singapore and Dubai.
Economic Impact: The port is expected to significantly lower logistics costs for Indian manufacturers by 30-40%, enhancing the country’s export competitiveness.
Future Expansion: With plans to increase capacity to 5 million TEUs by 2028 with latest technology, the port is set to play a crucial role in India’s maritime infrastructure.
Working closely with the Government of Kerala and the Government of India, the Adani Group has already invested over INR 4,500 crore in the Vizhinjam International Seaport project. As India's first automated port, Vizhinjam is setting new benchmarks in port management and operations. The Adani Group is expected to invest another INR 20,000 crore in the project's upcoming phases, creating more than 5,000 jobs and boosting the local economy to unprecedented heights.
Sectoral transformation happening: PM
“Today, the Government of India is committed to further strengthening this channel of economic power”, the Prime Minister added and asserted, “India’s coastal states and port cities will become key centres for the growth of a developed India”.
Pointing out that a decade ago, ships faced long waiting times at ports, significantly delaying unloading operations, he noted that this slowdown affected businesses, industries and the overall economy. He stressed that the situation has now transformed and over the past 10 years, India’s Major Ports have reduced ship turnaround time by 30%, improving operational efficiency. He remarked that due to enhanced port efficiency, India is now handling greater cargo volumes in shorter durations, strengthening the nation’s logistics and trade capabilities.
“India’s maritime success is a result of a decade-long vision and effort,” exclaimed the Prime Minister, underlining that over the past 10 years India has doubled the capacity of its ports and expanded its National Waterways eightfold. He noted that today two Indian ports are among the global top, while India’s ranking in the Logistics Performance Index has also improved. Additionally, he pointed out that India is now among the top 20 countries in global shipbuilding.
Kochi shipbuilding and repair cluster
The Prime Minister highlighted that India is advancing towards the establishment of a shipbuilding and repair cluster in Kochi. He emphasised that once completed, this cluster will create numerous new employment opportunities, providing Kerala’s local talent and youth with a platform for growth. The Prime Minister further stated that India is now setting ambitious targets to strengthen its shipbuilding capabilities. He noted that this year’s Union Budget introduced a new policy to promote the construction of large ships in India, which will significantly boost the manufacturing sector, directly benefiting MSMEs and generating a large number of employment and entrepreneurship opportunities across the country.
“True development is achieved when infrastructure is built, trade expands and basic needs of the common people are met,” stressed the Prime Minister, remarking that the people of Kerala have witnessed rapid progress over the past 10 years, not just in port infrastructure, but also in highways, railways and airports.
Extending his best wishes to all present at the event, Mr Modi envisioned Kerala as a major centre for global maritime trade, leading to the creation of thousands of new jobs. He reaffirmed the commitment of the Government of India, working alongside the state government, to advance this goal. He concluded by expressing confidence in the capabilities of Kerala’s people and stated, “India’s maritime sector will reach new heights”.