Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the Rs 8,900 crore Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala — India’s first mega transshipment container terminal that will significantly strengthen India’s position in global trade, sharpen logistics efficiency and cut down reliance on foreign ports.
The seaport is a significant advancement in India’s maritime infrastructure,” Modi said while dedicating the seaport to the nation. “India’s coastal states and our port cities will become key centres of growth for a Viksit Bharat,” the PM said.
The Prime Minister remarked that the capacity of the transshipment hub will triple in the coming years, enabling the smooth arrival of some of the world’s largest cargo ships.
He pointed out that 75% of India’s transshipment operations were previously conducted at foreign ports, leading to significant revenue loss for the country.
Emphasizing that this situation is now set to change, he asserted that India’s money will now serve India and the funds that once flowed outside the country will now generate new economic opportunities for Kerala and Vizhinjam’s people.
Modi remarked that before the colonial rule, India witnessed centuries of prosperity, emphasising that at one point, India held a major share in the global GDP.
He highlighted that what set India apart from other nations during that era was its maritime capacity and the economic activity of its port cities.
Noting that Kerala played a significant role in this maritime strength and economic growth, he highlighted Kerala’s historical role in maritime trade, emphasizing that through the Arabian Sea, India maintained trade links with multiple nations.
He noted that ships from Kerala carried goods to various countries, making it a vital hub for global commerce. “Today, the Government of India is committed to further strengthening this channel of economic power”, he added and asserted, “India’s coastal states and port cities will become key centers for the growth of a developed India”.
“The port economy reaches its full potential when infrastructure and ease of doing business are promoted together”, said the Prime Minister, stating that over the past 10 years, this has been the blueprint of the government of India’s port and waterways policy.
He highlighted that the government has accelerated efforts for industrial activities and holistic development of states.
He noted that under PM Gati Shakti, waterways, railways, highways, and airways are being rapidly integrated for seamless connectivity. He added that these reforms in ease of doing business have led to greater investment in ports and infrastructure sectors.
The Prime Minister stated that his government has also reformed regulations concerning Indian seafarers, yielding significant results.
He pointed out that in 2014, the number of Indian seafarers was below 1.25 lakh. Today, this figure has surged beyond 3.25 lakh. He emphasized that India now ranks among the top three countries globally in terms of seafarer numbers.
Highlighting that a decade ago, ships faced long waiting times at ports, significantly delaying unloading operations, Modi noted that this slowdown affected businesses, industries, and the overall economy.
He stressed that the situation has now transformed and over the past 10 years, India’s major ports have reduced ship turn-around time by 30%, improving operational efficiency.
He remarked that due to enhanced port efficiency, India is now handling greater cargo volumes in shorter durations, strengthening the nation’s logistics and trade capabilities.
“India’s maritime success is a result of a decade-long vision and effort”, exclaimed the Prime Minister, underlining that over the past 10 years, India has doubled the capacity of its ports and expanded its National Waterways eightfold.
He noted that today, two Indian ports are among the global top 30 ports, while India’s ranking on the Logistics Performance Index has also improved. Additionally, he pointed out that India is now among the top 20 countries in global shipbuilding.
The Prime Minister further remarked that after strengthening the country’s basic infrastructure, the focus has now shifted towards India’s strategic position in global trade.
He announced the launch of Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision, which outlines India’s maritime strategy to achieve the goal of a developed India.
He recalled the G-20 Summit, where India collaborated with several major countries to establish the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, highlighting Kerala’s critical role in this corridor, emphasizing that the state will greatly benefit from this initiative.
Underscoring the critical role of the private sector in elevating India’s maritime industry to new heights, Shri Modi said that under Public-Private Partnerships, thousands of crores have been invested over the past 10 years.
The Prime Minister highlighted that India is advancing towards the establishment of a shipbuilding and repair cluster in Kochi. He emphasized that once completed, this cluster will create numerous new employment opportunities, providing Kerala’s local talent and youth with a platform for growth.
The Prime Minister further stated that India is now setting ambitious targets to strengthen its shipbuilding capabilities.
He noted that this year’s Union Budget introduced a new policy to promote the construction of large ships in India, which will significantly boost the manufacturing sector.
He emphasized that this initiative will have direct benefits for MSMEs, generating a large number of employment and entrepreneurship opportunities across the country.
“True development is achieved when infrastructure is built, trade expands, and basic needs of the common people are met”, stressed the Prime Minister, remarking that the people of Kerala have witnessed rapid progress over the past 10 years, not just in port infrastructure, but also in highways, railways, and airports.
Reiterating that the welfare of fishermen remains a top priority, the Prime Minister noted that under Blue Revolution and Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, projects worth hundreds of crores have been sanctioned for Kerala.
Underlining that Kerala has always been a land of harmony and tolerance, Modi highlighted that centuries ago, Saint Thomas Church, one of the oldest churches in the world, was established here.
He acknowledged the recent moment of grief that has touched people across the world when Pope Francis passed away a few days ago, leaving behind a profound legacy.
He shared his personal experiences, expressing his gratitude for having had multiple opportunities to meet Pope Francis. He noted that he received special warmth from him and cherished their discussions on humanity, service, and peace, which will continue to inspire him.
Governor of Kerala Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Union ministers Suresh Prabhu, George Kurien were present among other dignitaries at the event.
