On Friday, May 2, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Vizhinjam International Seaport in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, marking a significant milestone in India’s maritime infrastructure.
Developed through a public-private partnership between the Government of Kerala and Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), the port is poised to transform India’s position in global shipping and trade. Strategically located just 10 nautical miles from the busy east-west international shipping route, Vizhinjam boasts a natural depth of 24 meters, enabling it to accommodate some of the world’s largest cargo vessels without extensive dredging. This deep-water, all-weather port is India’s first automated transshipment hub, equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure and advanced container handling technology.
The port’s development, with an investment of approximately ₹8,867 crore, has been a collaborative effort, with the Kerala state government contributing ₹5,595 crore and the central government providing ₹818 crore. APSEZ holds a 40-year concession to operate the port, with plans to expand its capacity from the current 1 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) to 6.2 million TEUs, aiming to handle 15% of India’s container transshipment traffic The inauguration ceremony was attended by key officials, including the Chief Minister of Kerala and the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways. The event also marked the arrival of the container vessel San Fernando, operated by Maersk, which berthed at the port to offload approximately 2,000 containers
Vizhinjam’s proximity to the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, located just 16 kilometers away, enhances its potential as a major logistics hub. The port’s development is expected to generate significant employment opportunities, with projections of creating over 5,500 direct and indirect jobs by 2029. The port’s establishment is anticipated to reduce India’s reliance on foreign transshipment hubs like Colombo, Dubai, and Singapore, thereby lowering logistics costs and boosting the country’s export competitiveness. Furthermore, the port’s development aligns with Kerala’s vision of becoming a $1 trillion economy, leveraging its robust infrastructure, including four international airports, two major seaports, and an extensive inland navigation network
Despite the project’s significance, the inauguration was not without controversy. Opposition leaders criticized the event organizers for not acknowledging the contributions of former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, who had signed the original agreement and laid the foundation stone for the project. Additionally, concerns were raised over the decision not to invite the current Leader of the Opposition to the ceremony. Nevertheless, the successful commissioning of the Vizhinjam International Seaport represents a pivotal step in India’s maritime ambitions, positioning the country as a formidable player in global trade and logistics. The port’s advanced capabilities and strategic location are set to play a crucial role in enhancing India’s economic growth and sustainability in the years to come.
Kerala Vizhinjam Port Opens for Global Shipping
