On May 2, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Vizhinjam International Seaport in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, a landmark project poised to transform India’s maritime landscape. Constructed by the Adani Group for ₹8,867 crore, this deep-water transshipment hub is a milestone in India’s infrastructure development. However, the event was marred by a heated three-way political showdown among the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)], and Congress, each claiming credit for the port’s success. This article explores the < significance, the political controversies, and its potential to redefine India’s maritime trade.
A Game-Changer for India’s Maritime Ambitions
The Vizhinjam International Seaport is India’s first dedicated deep-water transshipment facility, strategically located just 10 nautical miles from major global shipping routes. Its natural depth of 18–20 meters enables it to accommodate the world’s largest container vessels without extensive dredging, a feature unmatched by other Indian ports. Since trial operations kicked off in July 2023, the port has handled over 285 ships, including the MSC Türkiye, one of the largest container carriers globally.
Developed through a public-private partnership by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), the port aims to capture a significant portion of India’s transshipment cargo, currently processed by foreign hubs like Colombo, Singapore, and Dubai. These ports handle 75% of India’s cargo, costing the nation $200–220 million annually in foreign exchange. By redirecting this traffic, Vizhinjam promises to bolster local economies and enhance India’s maritime trade.
Key Highlights of Vizhinjam Seaport
- Cutting-Edge Technology: Equipped with automated yard cranes, remotely operated ship-to-shore cranes, and an AI-powered Vessel Traffic Management System developed with IIT Madras.
- Scalable Operations: Phase 1 supports 1 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) annually, with plans to expand to 3 million TEUs by 2028, backed by a ₹10,000 crore investment from Adani Ports.
- Integrated Connectivity: Linked to National Highway 66 via Kerala’s first cloverleaf interchange, with future rail connectivity to the national network.
Political Tensions Take Center Stage
The inauguration, attended by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani, and Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, turned into a political spectacle. PM Modi used the platform to take a dig at the opposition’s INDIA bloc, humorously noting Tharoor’s presence alongside CPI(M)’s Vijayan. “The Chief Minister is a key figure in the INDIA alliance, and Shashi Tharoor is here too. This event might cause some sleepless nights,” Modi quipped, sparking laughter and controversy.
Modi’s remarks highlighted the Adani Group’s contentious role, often accused by the opposition of benefiting from government favoritism. His nod to Tharoor, a vocal Thiruvananthapuram MP who recently praised Modi’s foreign policy, fueled speculation about internal Congress rifts.
Congress Reclaims Its Legacy
The Congress party fired back, with AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal questioning Modi’s comments. The opposition accused the CPI(M)-led Kerala government of sidelining former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, whose 2015 cabinet approved the Vizhinjam Seaport and sealed the agreement with Adani Ports. Opposition Leader VD Satheesan, initially excluded from the guest list, criticized the CPI(M) for downplaying Chandy’s contributions, claiming his invitation was an afterthought prompted by public outcry.
CPI(M) Defends Its Vision
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, lauded by his party as the driving force behind the Vizhinjam Seaport, emphasized the Left Democratic Front (LDF)’s commitment. Vijayan noted that Kerala shouldered 60% of the project’s cost, with limited central government support via viability gap funding. He portrayed the port as a revival of a decades-old vision, stalled since 1996.
State Ports Minister V.N. Vasavan’s description of the Adani Group as a “partner” was a surprising departure from CPI(M)’s anti-corporate stance. Modi praised this shift, framing it as proof of India’s evolving economic landscape.
BJP’s Strategic Maneuver
The BJP, aiming to strengthen its presence in Kerala, used the event to underscore its developmental agenda. The inclusion of BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar on stage, orchestrated by the Prime Minister’s Office, drew criticism from CPI(M)’s Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas, who accused the BJP of politicizing a national achievement. Modi’s light-hearted remark—that Gautam Adani’s Gujarat might envy Kerala’s new port—reinforced the BJP’s narrative of fostering nationwide growth.
Economic and Strategic Prospects
Beyond the political fray, the Vizhinjam Seaport is set to transform Kerala’s economy and elevate India’s global trade profile. By 2028, its multi-modal hub—integrating road, rail, and sea—will handle diverse cargo, from containers to bulk goods. Its strategic Arabian Sea location positions it as a critical node in Asia-Europe trade routes, enhancing India’s competitiveness.
Handling over 100,000 TEUs monthly in early 2025, the port demonstrates its potential. By reducing reliance on foreign ports, Vizhinjam will cut shipping costs, streamline logistics, and strengthen India’s trade security amid global geopolitical shifts.
Overcoming Obstacles
The Vizhinjam Seaport faced significant challenges, notably protests in 2022 by fisherfolk, supported by the Latin Catholic Church, over coastal erosion and livelihood concerns. These demonstrations, which turned violent, delayed construction until the Kerala High Court intervened. The episode highlighted the project’s environmental and social complexities.
Shaping India’s Maritime Future
The launch of the Vizhinjam International Seaport marks a turning point for India’s infrastructure and maritime trade. Despite the political sparring among the BJP, CPI(M), and Congress, the port’s potential to drive prosperity and global connectivity is undeniable. The Adani Group’s role and Kerala’s collaborative approach offer a model for future projects.
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