Tomorrow, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Vizhinjam International Port, which will grant a unique mark to the city of Thiruvananthapuram on the world map. When the first draft of the Vizhinjam Port was prepared three decades ago, most people thought that this port would never become a reality. Such were the obstacles and objections. It is no secret that even international powers tried to fuel those who opposed the project. However, the Vizhinjam Port has become the biggest example before our eyes that determined efforts will succeed no matter what stops it.

It is impossible to forget at this stage that the former Chief Ministers of Kerala, K Karunakaran, E K Nayanar, A K Antony, V S Achuthanandan, Oommen Chandy and Pinarayi Vijayan, the ministers from MV Raghavan, who was the Minister of Ports, to VN Vasavan, who is currently in charge of the department, the UPA cabinet at the Centre led by Manmohan Singh and later the Modi cabinet in power since 2014, all played their roles in making this port a reality. Why, even those who opposed the project have their own role in its completion. It was only when the opposition was strong that the will to make the port a reality by any means emerged on the part of political parties and the ruling!

The turning point that made the port a reality was the agreement with the Adani Group for the construction of the port in 2015, when Oommen Chandy was the Chief Minister. The main work of the port construction began in 2016 during the first Pinarayi government. In the meantime, the major protests against the project on issues including coastal erosion, the shortage of rock and the Ockhi Covid crisis, etc. have created many challenges for the port construction. The port is ready for inauguration after eight years of construction. After the port, a huge shipyard, strategic centres of the Indian Navy, and foreign companies related to the port business will inevitably come up around it.

The tax revenue that this port will generate for the state, directly and indirectly, will be sufficient to solve the financial problems of our treasury. This port will also create employment opportunities for tens of thousands directly and indirectly. The government has already announced major development projects along with the construction of the subsequent phases of the port. Efforts should now be made from the administrative level to implement these in a timely manner.

Along with the port becoming operational, the government has already announced projects in the district, including the Outer Area Growth Corridor, Outer Ring Road, and Vizhinjam-Kollam-Punalur Growth Triangle. The aim of these projects is to maximize the benefits of the port in the related areas.

There should be no attempt to portray the protests of the local residents as anti-development struggles at this juncture. All efforts to ensure their legitimate rights like drinking water, housing, and fishing facilities should be accelerated at the government level. They should also be given special consideration in port works and other matters. This port, which is being built on the land of Padmanabhaswamy, will change the face of Kerala itself. 'Kerala Kaumudi' was always there to strengthen the dream and efforts to make the Vizhinjam port a reality. We are also happy to be a part of this proud moment of sharing the success of this eternal dream that will help nurture even the coming generations of Malayalis.