Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the trial run of the much-anticipated Vizhinjam International Seaport, marking a significant milestone for India’s maritime infrastructure. In his address, Vijayan declared that the seaport’s inception has firmly positioned Bharat on the world map, calling it a “dream come true” and a testament to the combined efforts against international lobbying.
The Chief Minister emphasised the seaport’s potential as a catalyst for economic growth, noting its capability to accommodate the largest ships in the world. He asserted that while the trial run commenced on July 12, operational activities would start immediately, with the port becoming fully operational in the near future. Vijayan also urged the Union Government to approve a Rs 5,000 crore package for related developments, highlighting Vizhinjam as a significant contribution to the nation.
Union Shipping Minister Sarbanand Sonowal, the event’s chief guest, attributed the realisation of the Vizhinjam project to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s developmental vision. Sonowal lauded the project as a stellar example of central-state cooperation, involving private sector collaboration, and emphasised its potential to become a major player in international commercial operations.
The inauguration was not without controversy. Sashi Tharoor, Lok Sabha member from Thiruvananthapuram, boycotted the ceremony to protest the exclusion of the Leader of the Opposition. CM Vijayan, addressing past opposition to the project by his party, attributed it to concerns over potential corruption and exploitation. Port Minister V.N. Vasavan cited financial arrangements that delayed state dividends as another reason for historical opposition.
The ceremony included the unveiling of a plaque by CM Vijayan to mark the arrival of the first mothership. Vizhinjam parish vicar Monsignor Nicholas and various state ministers, MPs, MLAs, and senior bureaucrats attended the event. Karan Adani, Managing Director of Adani Ports, announced that the three-phase project, with an investment of Rs 20,000 crore, would be completed within four years. Adani also mentioned plans for a seafood park and industrial corridor in Vizhinjam, projected to create 7,000 direct and indirect jobs.
The first container vessel, m.v. “San Fernando,” arrived on July 11, receiving a warm welcome. The port is expected to be commissioned between September and October, becoming the country’s first semi-automated port equipped with state-of-the-art technology. The Union Government’s commitment has been instrumental in realising the long-held dream of the Vizhinjam port, which dates back over eight decades.
During the trial operations, large vessels are expected to berth at Vizhinjam. Motherships will discharge containers to be distributed to other Indian ports and international destinations, initiating full-fledged transshipment operations. The efficiency of these operations will be evaluated based on international standards such as dwell times, vessel turnaround time, berth productivity, vehicle service time, and crane productivity.
The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) expressed dissatisfaction over the exclusion of the Leader of the Opposition from the event. They highlighted the role of former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy in the agreement with Adani Group. M. Vincent, a Congress MLA, was the sole speaker to acknowledge Chandy’s contributions during the ceremony. UDF organised a protest rally in Kochi, addressed by LoP V.D. Satheesan.
The state government also faced criticism for not inviting union ministers Suresh Gopi and George Kurien from Kerala, highlighting the need to separate development initiatives from political discord.
The Vizhinjam International Seaport is poised to significantly boost India’s maritime trade and economic growth, enhancing Kerala’s status on the global economic stage.
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