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The Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport, located in Kerala, stands as a monumental achievement in India's maritime infrastructure. Inaugurated on May 2, 2025, by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, this ₹8,800 crore project underscores India's commitment to enhancing its port capabilities and fostering economic growth through strategic maritime initiatives.

Vizhinjam was chosen for the development of this multi-purpose port because of its strategic location near international shipping routes, which significantly reduces transit times for vessels, making it a pivotal point for maritime trade. As one of India's few natural deep-water ports, this port can efficiently accommodate large cargo and container ships, thus making it an ideal choice for this development.

Features of Vizhinjam Seaport

• India's first dedicated container trans-shipment port.
• Strategically located near one of the world's busiest sea trade routes.
• The port boasts a natural deep draft of nearly 20 meters, enabling it to accommodate some of the world's largest cargo ships.
• The capacity of this trans-shipment port is expected to increase three times in the coming years.

Benefits of Vizhinjam Seaport

• The development of this port is expected to significantly reduce India's reliance on foreign ports for trans-shipment, which previously accounted for 75% of such operations, thereby retaining revenue within the country and creating new economic opportunities for Kerala and its people.
• Vizhinjam is set to become a key player in regional trade, potentially serving as a gateway for commerce between Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

Important Initiatives by the Government to promote India's Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sector

Government of India's initiatives like the Sagarmala Project and PM Gati Shakti, aimed at enhancing port infrastructure and improving inter-connectivity of waterways, railways, highways, and airways. Over the past decade, investments under Public-Private Partnerships have upgraded Indian ports to global standards, reducing ship turn-around time by 30% and doubling the capacity of ports. These efforts have positioned India among the top three countries globally in terms of seafarer numbers and among the top 20 in global shipbuilding. For further strengthening India's maritime sector, the government is working towards the establishment of a shipbuilding and repair cluster in Kochi, which will create numerous employment opportunities. Additionally, initiatives like the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, which was discussed during the G-20 Summit, underscore Kerala's critical role in global trade networks.

 

 

 

One Nation One Port

The ‘One Nation One Port Process (ONOP)’ initiative focuses on mapping and standardizing port processes and documentation. This involves conducting a comprehensive review of the existing procedures and documents exchanged within the port value chain across all major ports which cover various cargo types, including containers, dry bulk, and liquid bulk, as well as different movement categories such as export-import, trans-shipment, and coastal operations. The implementation of the ONOP initiative is anticipated to significantly reduce paperwork by approximately 25% for both container operations and bulk cargo, leading to a reduction in logistics costs.

Master Plan to Develop Mega Ports

Six port clusters, out of which four port clusters, namely, Cochin – Vizhinjam Port cluster, Galathea South Bay Port, Chennai – Kamarajar – Cuddalore Port cluster, Paradip and other Non-Major Ports cluster with capacity of more than 300 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA) and two port clusters, namely, Deendayal and Tuna Tekra Port cluster, Jawaharlal Nehru – Vadhavan Port cluster with capacity of more than 500 MTPA are being developed as Mega Ports by the year 2047. These activities are included in the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision, 2047. The works for infrastructure enhancement and capacity augmentation in the Major Ports are already under progress through Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode and also through internal resources.

Conclusion

The inauguration of the Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport marks a transformative moment in India's maritime journey, reinforcing the nation's commitment to becoming a global trade and logistics hub. With its strategic location, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and alignment with key government initiatives like Sagarmala, PM Gati Shakti, and the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, Vizhinjam is poised to significantly boost India's economic growth, regional connectivity, and global shipping competitiveness. As India steers into a future shaped by integrated transport corridors like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, the Vizhinjam Seaport stands as a beacon of progress, sustainability, and strategic foresight in the country’s maritime renaissance.

References

Rajya Sabha Unstarred Question No. 3515 Dated April 1, 2025

Rajya Sabha Unstarred Question No. 3513 Dated April 1, 2025

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2032811

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2126080

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2052486

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2122299

https://x.com/sarbanandsonwal/status/1918238937346396507

https://shipmin.gov.in/sites/default/files/Annual%20Report%202024-25%20-%20English.pdf

KIndly find the pdf file

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Santosh Kumar | Sarla Meena | Rishita Aggarwal

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