PM Modi unveils Vizhinjam seaport in Kerala, India's 1st transhipment hub
PTC Web Desk: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the 'Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport' worth Rs 8,900 crore marking the first phase of the country's first international deepwater transhipment project in Kerala.
PM Modi reached Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday night. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his arrival in Thiruvananthapuram, his parliamentary constituency yesterday.
Taking to social media, Tharoor wrote, "Despite delays at the dysfunctional Delhi airport, managed to land in Thiruvananthapuram in time to receive Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his arrival in my constituency. Looking forward to his officially commissioning Vizhinjam port, a project I have been proud to have been involved with since its inception."
PM Modi, in his address to the public, said, "On one hand, there is this big sea with so many opportunities and on the other hand, there is beauty of nature, in between there is this 'Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport', which is a symbol of new-age development."
PM Narendra Modi also extended his wishes on the occasion of Adi Shankaracharya Jayanti and said he had the privilege of visiting his birthplace three years ago. He added that there is a statue of Adi Shankaracharya in the Kashi Vishwanath Temple premises.
"Today is the birth anniversary of Lord Adi Shankaracharya. Three years ago in September, I had the opportunity to visit his birthplace. I am happy that a grand statue of Adi Shankaracharya has been installed in the Vishwanath Dham complex in my parliamentary constituency Kashi. I have got the opportunity to unveil the divine statue of Adi Shankaracharya in Kedarnath Dham in Uttarakhand. Today, the doors of the Kedarnath temple have opened in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand", PM Modi said.
Meanwhile, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan extended the gratitude of PM Modi on behalf of the people of the state to dedicate the landmark project to the nation.
"On behalf of the people of Kerala, I once again express our sincere gratitude to the Prime Minister for visiting our state to dedicate the landmark project to the nation. I also extend my congratulations to the Adani Group for executing this mission with excellence", he said while addressing the gathering.
The Vizhinjam International Transhipment Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport is an ambitious project taken up by the Government of Kerala. The port is currently being developed in a landlord model with a Public Private Partnership component on a design, build, finance, operate and transfer basis. The private partner, the Concessionaire Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Limited has commenced the construction on December 5, 2015.
It is the country's first dedicated container transhipment port, representing the transformative advancements being made in India's maritime sector as part of the unified vision of Viksit Bharat.
Vizhinjam Port, which is strategically important, has been identified as a key priority project that will contribute to strengthening India's position in global trade, enhancing logistics efficiency, and reducing reliance on foreign ports for cargo transhipment. Its natural deep draft of nearly 20 meters and location near one of the world's busiest sea trade routes further strengthen India's position in global trade.
Vizhinjam Port, having strategic importance, has been identified as a key priority project which will contribute in strengthening India's position in global trade, enhance logistics efficiency, and reduce reliance on foreign ports for cargo transshipment. Its natural deep draft of nearly 20 meters and location near one of the world's busiest sea trade routes further strengthens India's position in global trade.
- ANI
