'Jai Kerala, Jai Bharat', Modi dedicates Vizhinjam Port to nation; will work hand-in-hand with state govt for Kerala's development, says PM

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: At exactly 11:32 AM, Prime Minister Narendra Modi pressed a remote control, triggering the curtain to rise on a large screen before the audience. With that, the nameplate was revealed, officially designating Vizhinjam International Seaport as the nation’s new maritime gateway.

Dedicating the Vizhinjam Port to the country, Modi announced that the central government would work in collaboration with the Kerala government to transform the state into a major hub in the global maritime chain. Speaking from the stage set up at the port, Modi addressed the crowd in Malayalam, saying, “Let us together build a developed Kerala. Jai Kerala, Jai Bharat.”

He emphasised that Kerala must become the centre of global maritime activity and that thousands of job opportunities should be created. The central government, he assured, would work hand-in-hand with the state. He added that the talents of the people of Kerala will lead the nation's maritime sector forward.

With the transshipment hub's capacity being tripled, large cargo ships from around the world will soon be able to dock at Vizhinjam more efficiently, propelling the region toward economic sustainability. Modi also pointed out that during the G20 Summit, India unveiled the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor — a project that enhances Kerala’s development potential.

He noted that while the Adani Group has been operating a port in Gujarat for 30 years, it is in Kerala’s Vizhinjam that such a massive port has now been constructed.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan presided over the event. Minister V.N. Vasavan delivered the welcome address. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Union Ministers Sarbananda Sonowal, Suresh Gopi, George Kurian, Kerala Ministers G.R. Anil, Saji Cherian, BJP State President Rajeev Chandrasekhar, MPs Shashi Tharoor, Adoor Prakash, John Brittas, A.A. Rahim, MLA M. Vincent, Mayor Arya Rajendran, Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani, and Adani Ports Managing Director Karan Adani were among those present on the stage.

We've achieved this too: Chief Minister
“We have achieved this too…” — this is how Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan began his presidential address. He stated that despite the misinformation and obstacles created by vested interests, the government overcame them by gaining the trust of the people. Legal hurdles were cleared, and coastal rehabilitation and livelihood issues were resolved by spending Rs 120 crore. The state government proceeded with the Vizhinjam project only after addressing these major concerns, the CM noted.

Dedicating the Vizhinjam Port — Kerala’s long-cherished dream — to the nation marks the opening of a grand gateway to the country’s development prospects in the third millennium. The Chief Minister stated that this is a monumental project that connects India to the global maritime trade and logistics network.