Vizhinjam, Kerala – In a landmark move to bolster India’s maritime capabilities, Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally dedicated the Vizhinjam International Seaport to the nation, calling it a strategic gateway to global trade and a symbol of the ‘Make in India, Ship in India’ vision.
Located near Thiruvananthapuram, Vizhinjam is India’s first deep-water transshipment port and is capable of handling Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs). With a natural depth of over 20 meters and proximity to international shipping lanes, the port is set to challenge global hubs like Colombo, Singapore, and Dubai.
Developed by Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd., the Vizhinjam Port is expected to reduce India’s dependency on foreign ports for transshipment, potentially saving billions in logistics costs and creating thousands of jobs in Kerala and beyond.
“This port is not just infrastructure—it’s a national asset,” PM Modi said during the dedication ceremony. “It will transform Kerala into a key player in the global maritime economy.”
The port’s strategic location, only 10 nautical miles from major East-West international shipping routes, allows it to serve as a vital node for cargo destined for Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
The first phase is nearing completion, with full-scale commercial operations expected soon. Vizhinjam is projected to handle over 1 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) annually in its initial phase, with plans for major expansion.