Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Rs 88 billion Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport in Kerala, marking a significant leap in India’s maritime infrastructure. Speaking at the event, which coincided with the birth anniversary of Adi Shankaracharya, Modi paid tribute to the spiritual leader’s unifying contributions and underscored Kerala’s historical role in India’s maritime prosperity.

Modi emphasised that the Vizhinjam port, India’s first dedicated container transshipment hub, will triple its capacity in the coming years, allowing India to retain revenues previously lost to foreign ports. Highlighting Kerala’s strategic location along one of the world’s busiest sea routes, he noted that the port will enhance the nation’s role in global trade, generate economic opportunities for Kerala, and create thousands of new jobs.

Reviewing the last decade, Modi detailed the government’s port reforms under Sagarmala and PM Gati Shakti, which have boosted efficiency, reduced ship turnaround times by 30%, and doubled India’s port capacity. He stressed that under the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision, India aims to become a major global shipbuilding player, with Kochi poised as a shipbuilding and repair cluster.

Modi also highlighted the role of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in modernising India’s ports, noting that investments have made the sector future-ready. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to Kerala’s development through infrastructure projects, Vande Bharat trains, and welfare schemes, particularly for fishermen under the Blue Revolution and Matsya Sampada Yojana.

Addressing recent global grief over Pope Francis’s passing, Modi paid tribute to his legacy of service and inclusivity, recalling their personal meetings. He concluded with confidence in Kerala’s future as a major hub for global maritime trade, asserting that India’s maritime sector is set to reach new heights with continued government and private sector collaboration.

The event was attended by Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and Union Ministers including Suresh Prabhu and George Kurien.

(PIB)