A New Era in India’s Maritime Journey Begins
Vizhinjam International Seaport Commissioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Maritime News,| Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India : In a landmark moment for India’s maritime ambitions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport today, describing it as a “gateway to India’s maritime future in the third millennium.” Developed at a cost of ₹8,800 crore, Vizhinjam is India’s first dedicated container transshipment port, and it signals a transformative leap toward realizing the unified vision of Viksit Bharat.
Gautam Adani, Chairman, Adani Group welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi by draping a traditional ponnada and presenting a commemorative memento. Ports Minister V N Vasavan, in his congratulatory address, hailed Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan as a true karmayogi. He praised the Chief Minister and the Left government for proving that when many say nothing is possible in India, their determined execution of the Vizhinjam project stands as a testament that everything is indeed possible.
Strengthening Kerala, Strengthening India
During the commissioning ceremony, the Prime Minister emphasized that Kerala’s growth is central to India’s progress. He cited major infrastructure breakthroughs such as the long-delayed Kollam and Alappuzha bypasses, the introduction of modern Vande Bharat trains, and enhanced connectivity across highways, railways, and airports.
“India’s maritime sector will reach new heights with the strength of Kerala’s people,” the Prime Minister stated.
He stressed that Kerala has witnessed rapid development over the past decade and lauded the spirit of cooperative federalism, noting that Kerala’s performance on social indicators has been exemplary.
Inclusive Development & Fisherfolk Welfare
The Prime Minister reiterated the Centre’s commitment to inclusive development, spotlighting national welfare schemes such as the Jal Jeevan Mission, Ujjwala Yojana, Ayushman Bharat, and the PM Suryagarh Free Electricity Scheme.
Underscoring the welfare of coastal communities, he highlighted major investments under the Blue Revolution and the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, including the modernization of fishing harbours like Ponnani and Puthiyappa. Thousands of fishermen in Kerala have also been issued Kisan Credit Cards, enabling easier access to credit.
Paying Tribute & Honoring Legacy
Reflecting Kerala’s legacy of harmony, the Prime Minister recalled the establishment of the Saint Thomas Church centuries ago. He paid heartfelt tribute to the recently deceased Pope Francis, recalling his personal meetings with the Pope and praising his lifelong commitment to inclusivity, humanity, and peace.
“His warmth, his thoughts on inclusivity, and his commitment to human values will continue to inspire us,” said the Prime Minister.
President Droupadi Murmu had represented India at the Pope’s funeral.
PM Modi’s Jibe Sparks Buzz as Tharoor, Vijayan, Adani Share Stage at Vizhinjam Inauguration
At the inauguration of the Vizhinjam International Seaport, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared the stage with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, and Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani. Praising Adani and referring to Vijayan as a “pillar” of the INDIA bloc, Modi joked that the presence of Tharoor and others on stage would give “sleepless nights” to some—remarks that drew attention amid ongoing speculation around Tharoor’s positioning within the Congress.
When the translator failed to convey the jab clearly, the PM quipped, “The message has gone wherever it had to go.”
Tharoor, who had earlier welcomed Modi at the airport despite delays, also stirred interest with his gesture. “Managed to land in Thiruvananthapuram in time to receive Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” he posted on X, alongside a photo that quickly went viral.
Vizhinjam Port: The Pride of Kerala, the Asset of India
At the outset of his speech, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan paid homage to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, stating that their brutal killing is a stark reminder of the urgent need for national unity against anti-national and divisive forces.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan described Vizhinjam as “not merely a port, but the grand gateway to India’s maritime future.” He praised the efforts of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government that initiated the project in 1996, and despite legal, environmental, and logistical hurdles — including floods, pandemics, and public agitations — succeeded in launching commercial operations in 2024, well ahead of the original 2045 completion deadline.
“From handling just trial operations in 2024, the port has now welcomed over 250 vessels with around 5,50,000 containers and the first phase is being commissioned today. The remaining phases are expected to be completed by 2028.” he noted.
Financing and Stakeholders
He explained that Vizhinjam is India’s first major port project driven by a state government, with Government of Kerala contributing ₹5,370.86 crore out of the ₹8,686 crore total investment. The Adani Group- Adani Vizhinjam Port Pvt Ltd has contributed ₹2,497 crore, while the Central Government provided ₹818 crore as Viability Gap Funding.
Correcting Trade Imbalances, Creating Jobs
Currently, 75% of India’s container transshipment cargo is handled by foreign ports, resulting in an annual loss of USD 220 million. Vizhinjam is expected to reverse this trend and establish India as a global transshipment hub.
Community-Focused Development and Resettlement
The Chief Minister addressed local concerns and resistance during earlier project stages. He affirmed that the government spent over ₹120 crore on coastal rehabilitation and livelihood assistance, trained local women to operate cranes, and established a dedicated skill center for indigenous communities. The result is over 5,000 direct employment opportunities, with far-reaching socio-economic ripple effects and more expected in supporting industries.
“This is Kerala’s pride, but also India’s strategic gain,” said the Chief Minister, thanking the Prime Minister and congratulating Adani Group for their role in executing the project.
Background: India’s First Deepwater Transshipment Port
Vizhinjam Port, located near one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, features a natural draft of 20 meters, allowing it to berth the largest container ships. It is expected to drastically reduce India’s dependence on foreign transshipment hubs like Colombo, Singapore, and Jebel Ali, and will handle the 75% transshipment cargo that previously had to be rerouted.
The port also plays a vital role in reducing India’s foreign exchange losses, which amount to $220 million annually, by streamlining trade operations through a domestic hub.
Adani Ports and SEZ Aims for 5 Million TEUs by 2028 at Vizhinjam, Says Karan Adani
Karan Adani, Managing Director of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), described the official inauguration of the Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport as a “historic day,” reaffirming the group’s commitment to advancing India’s maritime capabilities.
“We are deeply grateful to the Central and State Governments, as well as to the administration and people of Kerala—especially those in Thiruvananthapuram—for their unwavering support. This port stands as a bold symbol of India’s strategic maritime ambitions,” he said.
Looking ahead, Adani announced that APSEZ is targeting a throughput of 5 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) at Vizhinjam by 2028, with expectations to achieve 90% capacity utilization and a 70% margin on the prevailing shipping cost of $40 per container.
Certainly. Here is a professionally rewritten version of Gautam Adani’s statement, suitable for inclusion in a news article or official report, while preserving all key sentiments and phrasing:
Gautam Adani: Vizhinjam Port is a Triumph of Vision, Resilience, and Partnership
Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, described the inauguration of the Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport as the convergence of “history, destiny, and possibility,” marking the realisation of a three-decade-old dream for Kerala and a major milestone in India’s maritime journey.
“At Vizhinjam, history, destiny, and possibility came together as a 30-year-old dream of Kerala became India’s gateway to the world,” Adani stated. “We are proud to have built India’s first deep-sea automated port — a future global transshipment hub.”
Hailing the project as a testament to collaboration and perseverance, he added, “This is a triumph of vision, resilience, and partnership. We are grateful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for their steadfast support. Together, we sail toward a stronger, bolder India. Jai Hind!”
Dignitaries in Attendance
The historic inauguration was attended by:
- Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar
- Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan
- Union Minister of Ports Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal
- Union Minister of States for Tourism Suresh Prabhu
- Union Minister of States for Fisheries George Kurien
- Kerala Minister for Ports V N Vasavan
- Gautam Adani, Chairman, Adani Group
- Karan Adani, Managing Director, Adani Ports and SEZ Limited
- Senior officials from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Ltd, and Kerala Maritime Board
A Maritime Milestone
Vizhinjam International Seaport marks a turning point in India’s port infrastructure. As a beacon of strategic vision, inclusive development, and national pride, Vizhinjam now anchors India’s aspirations to be a major player in global maritime trade.
Adani Ports Reports Record Q4 Profit of ₹3,023 Crore, Declares ₹7 Dividend Amid Robust FY25 Growth
Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), India’s largest integrated logistics player, reported a stellar 49.2% year-on-year growth in consolidated net profit for the fourth quarter of FY25, reaching ₹3,023 crore, compared to ₹2,025 crore in the same period last year. The surge was attributed to strong operational performance and higher revenue generation.
The company’s revenue from operations for the quarter ended March 2025 rose by 23% YoY to ₹8,488 crore. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) also climbed 23.8% to ₹5,006 crore, maintaining a healthy operating margin of 59%, slightly up from 58.6% in Q4 FY24.
Backed by this performance, APSEZ’s Board of Directors recommended a dividend of ₹7 per share (350%) on equity shares with a face value of ₹2 for FY 2024–25.
For the full financial year, the company reported a record net profit of ₹11,061 crore, reflecting a 37% jump over the previous year. Total revenue stood at ₹31,079 crore, up 16% year-on-year, while annual EBITDA grew 20% to ₹19,025 crore.
Reflecting investor confidence, Adani Ports shares were trading 4.09% higher at ₹1,266.80 on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) following the earnings announcement.
Vizhinjam Port: Here’s a closer look at how this ₹8,800 crore marvel is redefining India’s maritime future:
1. India’s First Fully Dedicated & Semi-Automated Transshipment Port
Vizhinjam isn’t just another port—it’s India’s first port built exclusively for transshipment and the country’s first semi-automated maritime terminal. From remote-controlled ship-to-shore cranes to automated yard equipment, this port represents the leap from traditional logistics to smart port technology.
Uniquely, it’s also India’s first port developed under the Millennium Port Code, a futuristic blueprint for infrastructure, safety, and sustainability.
What’s more, Kerala’s government funded two-thirds of this mega project, making it the largest-ever state-backed port initiative in Indian history.
2. No Deviations Needed—Just 10 Nautical Miles Away
Vizhinjam sits only 10 nautical miles from the East-West international shipping axis, one of the busiest maritime corridors globally. That means mega container vessels don’t need to detour—they just dock, unload, and sail on.
3. Say Goodbye to Colombo
Until now, about 75% of India’s transshipment containers were handled by Colombo Port in Sri Lanka, draining revenue and strategic control. Vizhinjam is designed to reclaim those billions in cargo movement, foreign exchange, and influence.
4. From Trial Run to Full Steam Ahead
Operations began with a quiet trial run on July 13, 2024, and by December 3, full commercial activity was in motion. In the first three months alone, 272 large vessels visited and over 550,000 containers were processed—a roaring start.
5. Smart Port Tech, Made in India
This isn’t a dusty dockyard. Vizhinjam boasts:
- Automated yard cranes
- Remote-operated ship-to-shore cranes
- India’s first AI-powered Vessel Traffic Management System, developed with IIT Madras
It’s a high-tech command center for the future of Indian shipping.
6. Home to Giants of the Sea
In early 2025, the MSC Turkey, one of the largest cargo ships in the world, docked at Vizhinjam. It’s also now part of the MSC Jade Service—a vital cargo route between Europe and Asia—cementing Vizhinjam’s role as South Asia’s new transshipment hub.
7. What Comes Next? 3–5 Million TEUs by 2028
The next construction phase aims for 3 million TEUs per year by 2028, with Adani Ports investing ₹10,000 crore to expand capacity. According to Karan Adani, APSEZ is targeting 5 million TEUs by 2028, with 90% utilisation and a 70% margin on current shipping costs.
8. Women Lead the Way
In a first-of-its-kind initiative, port operations are being led in part by women. Local women have been trained to operate critical infrastructure—like cranes—marking a milestone in gender inclusion in India’s port sector.
9. Plugged into India’s National Grid
Vizhinjam isn’t just a port; it’s a multi-modal hub:
- Connected to NH-66 via Kerala’s first cloverleaf interchange
- A dedicated railway link to the national grid is under development
- Seamless movement of goods across the country is a core mission
10. Born from a Landmark Public-Private Partnership
The project originated from a 2015 concession agreement between the Government of Kerala and Adani Vizhinjam Port Pvt Ltd. It has become a model PPP (Public-Private Partnership), showing how state and enterprise collaboration can drive national transformation.
11. India’s Maritime Payback Begins in 2034
Once all four phases are operational by 2034, Adani Vizhinjam Port will begin revenue-sharing with the Kerala government—securing sustained income for the state for decades.
The Big Picture
- India’s first Millennium Port Code-compliant port
- First AI-powered VTMS
- 20-meter natural deep draft
- Proximity to global trade routes
- Women-led operations
- A strategic answer to Colombo’s dominance
Vizhinjam isn’t just a project—it’s a symbol of India’s maritime resurgence, built by Kerala, embraced by the nation, and set to lead the global seas.
