“Vizhinjam Port Will Give Sleepless Nights to Many”: PM Modi Launches India’s First Mega Transshipment Hub, Targets INDIA Bloc

Vizhinjam: In a move set to transform India’s maritime landscape, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the Vizhinjam International Seaport — the country’s first deepwater transshipment hub — in Kerala. The landmark project, built at a cost of ₹8,867 crore by the Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) under a public-private partnership, is poised to shift India’s position in global shipping.

The event, which saw the rare sharing of the stage by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, carried political undertones. Hinting at the discomfort the port’s success might cause to political adversaries, PM Modi remarked, “This event will give sleepless nights to many,” in a veiled jibe aimed at the opposition INDIA bloc.

Touting the port as a game-changer for India’s economy and strategic trade interests, the Prime Minister emphasized the government’s consistent push for infrastructure development and ease of doing business over the past decade.

“The full potential of the port economy is realized when infrastructure development and ease of doing business are prioritized and promoted. Over the past decade, this approach has been the cornerstone of the government’s port and waterways policies,” Modi said.

He also highlighted India’s ancient maritime glory, stressing that Kerala was a vital node in that historical network.

“Before the era of slavery, India flourished with prosperity for thousands of years… What set India apart from other nations during that time was its impressive maritime capabilities… Kerala, in particular, played a major role in this success,” the Prime Minister added.

The Vizhinjam Port, with the capacity to dock large cargo vessels, is expected to triple its current handling capabilities in the near future. Modi underlined the strategic importance of the port by noting that “Until now, 75% of India’s transshipment activities were conducted at foreign ports, resulting in significant revenue losses for the country. However, this is poised to change.”

He assured that this transformation would not just be on paper but would directly benefit Indian citizens.

“The funds previously spent abroad will now be channeled into domestic development, creating new economic opportunities for the people of Vizhinjam and Kerala,” he said. “This ensures that the nation’s wealth directly benefits its citizens.”