News Brief
Vizhinjam International Seaport In Kerala To Be Commissioned By PM Modi Tomorrow
Graphic showing Vizhinjam port (file photo)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will officially commission the Vizhinjam International Seaport on Friday (2 May) at 11.00 am in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, ANI reported.
Kerala Ports Minister V N Vasavan described the event as “a historic occasion” during a media briefing on Wednesday, hailing the port as a symbol of national progress and a model of state-centre cooperation.
The ceremony will witness the presence of several high-profile dignitaries, including Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Ministers Suresh Gopi and George Kurian, state ministers, MPs Shashi Tharoor and AA Rahim, and Opposition Leader VD Satheesan.
Former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar and Mayor Arya Rajendran have also been invited.
“The port began its trial run in July 2024 and received its commissioning certificate on 3 December. So far, 285 ships have arrived, handling 5.93 lakh TEUs, surpassing expectations even before formal commissioning,” he noted, adding that Vizhinjam has already begun attracting vessels from global operators like MSC.
“Vizhinjam can handle up to 30 lakh TEUs annually, and based on current performance, even 45 lakh TEUs is achievable,” Vasavan added.
Vasavan also dismissed political tensions surrounding the project. “There is no conflict between the Centre and the State. It's not a CPI(M)-BJP project; it's a joint effort by both governments.”
