Trivandrum: Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, dedicated Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport worth Rs 8,800 crore to the nation today in Thiruvananthapuram. Addressing the gathering, the PM highlighted the vast ocean, rich with immense possibilities, standing on one side, while on the other, nature’s breathtaking beauty adds to the grandeur.
Amidst all this, he emphasised that the Vizhinjam Deep-Water Sea Port has now 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.
Underscoring that the Vizhinjam Deep-Water Sea Port has been developed at a cost of ?8,800 crore, 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.
Underscoring the critical role of the private sector in elevating India’s maritime industry to new heights, he said that under Public-Private Partnerships, thousands of crores have been invested over the past 10 years. He emphasised that this collaboration has not only upgraded India’s ports to global standards but has also made them future-ready. He noted that private sector participation has driven innovation and enhanced efficiency.
Kerala Governor, Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar; Chief Minister, Shri Pinarayi Vijayan, Union Ministers, Shri Suresh Prabhu and Shri George Kurien were among those present.