The North News
Thiruvananthapuram( Kerala), May 2
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport in Kerala, hailing the project as a new symbol of India’s maritime strength and economic progress. The ₹8,800 crore port, located near the state capital Thiruvananthapuram, is expected to significantly enhance India’s transshipment capacity, allowing it to handle some of the world’s largest cargo ships and reduce reliance on foreign ports.
The launch coincided with the birth anniversary of Adi Shankaracharya, a revered Indian philosopher and spiritual reformer born in Kerala. Addressing the crowd, Prime Minister Modi recalled visiting the saint’s birthplace three years ago and spoke of installing his statues in Kashi and Kedarnath. He called the initiatives a tribute to Shankaracharya’s spiritual legacy and a reminder of India’s unified heritage.
Prime Minister Modi said that Vizhinjam’s strategic location and natural depth position it as a major node for maritime trade. He said that 75 percent of India’s transshipment currently takes place at foreign ports, leading to substantial revenue loss. “That is about to change,” he said. “India’s money will now work for India.”
The Prime Minister highlighted that the port would bring new economic opportunities to Kerala and boost India’s standing in global trade. “The ocean holds vast possibilities. On one side is nature’s beauty, and on the other, now stands a gateway to modern development,” he said.
He drew a historical parallel, stating that pre-colonial India enjoyed centuries of prosperity, with strong port cities and active maritime trade routes. “Kerala played a pivotal role in this,” he said, citing ancient links through the Arabian Sea with countries across the region.
Prime Minister Modi said the government’s maritime vision is being advanced through initiatives such as the Sagarmala Project and PM Gati Shakti, which aim to improve port infrastructure and integrate logistics by road, rail, air, and waterways. He added that regulatory reforms have encouraged greater investment and ease of doing business.
The Prime Minister also pointed to a surge in the number of Indian seafarers—from fewer than 1.25 lakh in 2014 to over 3.25 lakh today—placing India among the top three nations globally in this field. “This is the beginning of a new chapter,” Modi said, congratulating the people of Kerala and the nation.
