By Kavita Mistry 
Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially inaugurated the Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram on Friday. The seaport was completed at an estimated cost of Rs 8,867 crore. The Prime Minister formally commissioned the first phase of the facility in the presence of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani and Thiruvananthapuram Congress MP Shashi Tharoor.
The Vizhinjam International Seaport is expected to transform India’s role in international trade and shipping.
The deep-water port has been developed by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), India’s largest port developer and part of the Adani Group, under a public-private partnership. The seaport received its commercial commissioning certificate on December 4, 2024.
‘VIZHINJAM PORT SYMBOL OF NEW-AGE DEVELOPMENT’
PM Modi called the Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport a symbol of new-age development. “On one hand, there is this big sea with so many opportunities and on the other hand, there is beauty of nature, in between there is this ‘Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport’, which is a symbol of new-age development, ” said PM Modi after inaugurating Vizhinjam seaport.
The Prime Minister also took a dig at INDIA bloc as Congress leader Shashi Tharoor was also present at the inaugural event.
“I want to tell the Chief Minister, you are a strong pillar of INDI alliance. Shashi Tharoor is also sitting here. Today’s event is going to disturb the sleep of many,” PM Modi said.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan spoke about Pahalgam terrorist attack and took the opportunity to offer his condolences to the victims.
“Let me begin by paying homage to those who were brutally murdered by terrorists in Pahalgam last month. Their loss reminds us of the urgent need to remain united in defending our nation from anti-national and divisive forces,” he said.
The Kerala Chief Minister then welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said, “Government of Kerala and on my own behalf, I extend a warm welcome to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is here to inaugurate the port. This is a proud moment for all of us. The commissioning of this port marks the dawn of a modern era. The Prime Minister’s presence makes this occasion even more special and brings great joy to all of us. It also makes us optimistic about the bright future of this seaport.”