Kochi: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the trial run of the highly anticipated Vizhinjam International Seaport, marking a pivotal moment for India’s maritime infrastructure. In his address, Vijayan hailed the seaport's opening as a “dream come true” and a significant achievement, emphasizing its role in placing Bharat firmly on the global map. He praised the project as a testament to successful efforts against international lobbying and expressed optimism about its impact on economic growth.
Vijayan highlighted the port’s capability to handle the world’s largest ships and urged the Union Government to sanction a Rs 5,000 crore development package to support related projects. He assured that while the trial run began on July 12, the port would soon commence full operational activities.
Union Shipping Minister Sarbanand Sonowal, who was the chief guest, credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s developmental vision for the project's realization. Sonowal celebrated the seaport as a prime example of effective central-state collaboration and private sector involvement, underscoring its potential to become a major player in global commercial operations.
However, the inauguration was marred by controversy. Sashi Tharoor, the Lok Sabha member from Thiruvananthapuram, boycotted the ceremony in protest of the exclusion of the Leader of the Opposition. Vijayan addressed historical opposition to the project from within his party, attributing it to concerns over potential corruption and financial issues. Port Minister V.N. Vasavan also noted that financial arrangements had previously delayed state dividends, contributing to past resistance.
During the event, CM Vijayan unveiled a plaque to commemorate the arrival of the first mothership. The ceremony was attended by various state ministers, MPs, MLAs, and senior officials. Karan Adani, Managing Director of Adani Ports, announced that the Rs 20,000 crore three-phase project would be completed within four years. He also revealed plans for a seafood park and industrial corridor in Vizhinjam, expected to generate 7,000 direct and indirect jobs.
The first container vessel, m.v. “San Fernando,” arrived on July 11 and was warmly received. The port is projected to be commissioned between September and October, becoming India’s first semi-automated port equipped with cutting-edge technology. The port aims to enhance efficiency through international standards for dwell times, vessel turnaround, berth productivity, vehicle service time, and crane productivity.
The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) expressed dissatisfaction over the absence of the Leader of the Opposition from the event and highlighted the contributions of former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy in the agreement with Adani Group. UDF organized a protest rally in Kochi, addressed by Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan.
Additionally, the state government faced criticism for not inviting union ministers Suresh Gopi and George Kurien from Kerala, underscoring the need to separate development initiatives from political discord.
The Vizhinjam International Seaport is set to significantly enhance India’s maritime trade and economic growth, further elevating Kerala’s position on the global economic stage.
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