Prime Minister Modi dedicates ₹8,900 cr Vizhinjam port to nation
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Thiruvananthapuram: Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated to the nation 'Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport' worth Rs 8,900 crore on Friday.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and many dignitaries were present on the occasion.
After dedicating the ambitious seaport to the nation, PM Modi called it a significant achievement in India’s maritime capacity and said, “This port will open new opportunities for the people.”
PM Modi further stated, “This transshipment hub capacity at the seaport is set to triple in the near future. It is designed to accommodate large cargo ships, addressing a critical need. Until now, 75 per cent of India's transshipment activities were conducted at foreign ports, resulting in significant revenue losses for the country. However, this is poised to change.”
Addressing the event, PM Modi also spoke about India’s eminence in the pre-Independence era and highlighted how the maritime focus powered the country’s growth.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan presided over the event, while Minister V.N. Vasavan delivered the welcome address. Vijayan stated in his speech that the Vizhinjam project is a long-cherished dream for Kerala and marks a proud moment for the state. He expressed confidence that Vizhinjam would become one of the world's most notable ports. Additionally, he extended gratitude to all those who contributed to the project.
Minister V.N. Vasavan emphasised in his welcome speech that the realization of the Vizhinjam port was made possible due to the determination of the Pinarayi Vijayan-led government. He remarked that while many doubted the feasibility of such a project in Kerala, the Chief Minister and the Left government proved otherwise through their commitment to its execution.
The event saw the participation of several dignitaries, including Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Ministers Suresh Gopi and George Kurien, as well as state ministers V.N. Vasavan, Saji Cheriyan, and G.R. Anil. Business leaders Gautam Adani and Karan Adani were also present, along with other prominent figures and representatives.
Given the backdrop of the recent Pahalgam terror attack, security measures were heightened for the inauguration.