PM Modi to inaugurate Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala on May 2
Making the announcement, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said Vizhinjam is India's first semi-automated trans-shipment port.
"Vizhinjam International Seaport, India's first semi-automated transshipment port, will be dedicated to the nation by Hon'ble PM @narendramodi on May 2. With 265 ships and 5.48 lakh TEUs handled since commercial launch, @PortVizhinjam marks Kerala's rise on the global maritime trade map," Vijayan said in a post on X.
In July 2024, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal received the first Mother Ship, MV San Fernando, marking the beginning of operation at India's first deepwater container transhipment port in Vizhinjam.
He had said that Vizhinjam is India's first truly deep water International Container Transhipment terminal.
"This is the testament of the vision of 'Make in India' where a PPP collaboration among Kerala government, Centre and Adani Port SEZ has created a wonderful asset for growth of India's maritime sector," Sonowal had said.
Vizhinjam port is the first Greenfield port project in India, initiated by a state government with an investment exceeding Rs 18,000 crore.
Developed under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode, it stands as one of the largest initiatives in the country's port sector.
Vizhinjam's strategic location near international shipping routes significantly reduces transit times for vessels, making it a pivotal point for maritime trade. As one of India's few natural deep-water ports, it can efficiently accommodate large cargo and container ships. The development of Vizhinjam International Seaport is poised to boost Kerala's economic growth by creating jobs, enhancing trade, and attracting investments.
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.
The project was allotted to APSEZ after the Government of Kerala and Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Ltd. (AVPPL) agreed to a concession agreement in 2015.
Adani Group has seven strategically located ports and terminals on the west coast (Mundra, Tuna Tekra & Berth 13 in Kandla, Dahej, and Hazira in Gujarat, Mormugao in Goa, Dighi in Maharashtra and Vizhinjam in Kerala) and eight ports and terminals on the East coast (Haldia in West Bengal, Dhamra and Gopalpur in Odisha, Gangavaram and Krishnapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, Kattupalli and Ennore in Tamil Nadu and Karaikal in Puducherry), representing 27 per cent of the country's total port volumes.
The Adani Group company is also developing a trans-shipment port in Colombo, Sri Lanka, operates the Haifa Port in Israel and a container terminal in Dar es Salaam Port, Tanzania.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Times of Oman
16 hours ago
- Times of Oman
PM Modi to visit UK, Maldives from July 23-26: MEA
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the United Kingdom and the Maldives from July 23 to 26, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Sunday. The visit to the UK is at the invitation of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, while the state visit to the Maldives is at the invitation of President Mohamed Muizzu. According to the MEA, PM Modi's visit to the UK will be his fourth visit. He will hold wide-ranging discussions with his UK counterpart on the entire gamut of India-UK bilateral relations. They will also exchange views on issues of regional and global importance. The Prime Minister is also expected to call on King Charles III. During the visit, the two sides will also review the progress of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) with a specific focus on trade and economy, technology and innovation, defence and security, climate, health, education and people-to-people ties. For the second leg of his visit, PM Modi will undertake a state visit to the Maldives from July 25 to 26, on the invitation of the President of the Republic of Maldives, Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. This will be Prime Minister's third visit to Maldives, and the first visit by a Head of State or Government to Maldives during the Presidency of Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. Significantly, PM Modi will be the 'Guest of Honour' at the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the Independence of Maldives on July 26, 2025. During the visit, PM Modi will meet Dr Mohamed Muizzu and hold discussions on issues of mutual interest. The two leaders will also take stock of the progress in the implementation of the India-Maldives Joint Vision for a 'Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership', adopted during the State Visit of the President of Maldives to India in October 2024. MEA in its statement underscored that the visit reflects the importance India attaches to its maritime neighbour, Maldives, which continues to hold a special place in India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and Vision MAHASAGAR. The visit will provide an opportunity for both sides to further deepen and strengthen the close bilateral relationship.
Times of Oman
2 days ago
- Times of Oman
"There should be no double standards, especially in energy trade": MEA on EU sanctions
New Delhi: India has responded to recent sanctions announced by the European Union, stating that it does not subscribe to any unilateral sanction measures and emphasising the importance of avoiding double standards, especially in the domain of energy trade. In response to media queries on the issue, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "We have noted the latest sanctions announced by the European Union. India does not subscribe to any unilateral sanction measures." "We are a responsible actor and remain fully committed to our legal obligations," Jaiswal said. The spokesperson further underlined that the Government of India considers the provision of energy security a critical responsibility. "Government of India considers the provision of energy security a responsibility of paramount importance to meet the basic needs of its citizens. We would stress that there should be no double standards, especially when it comes to energy trade," he added. The remarks align with the External Affairs Ministry's response on Thursday to NATO chief Mark Rutte's comments on potential secondary sanctions over Russian oil, stressing that securing India's energy needs is an "overriding priority" and decisions are driven by "available offers" and "prevailing global circumstances." The Ministry of External Affairs further cautioned against "double standards" on the matter. Addressing a press conference in the national capital, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "We have seen reports on the subject and are closely following the developments. Let me reiterate and I have said this in the past as well that securing the energy needs of our people is, understandably, an overriding priority for us. In this endeavour, we are guided by what is available in the markets, as well as by the prevailing global circumstances." "We would particularly caution against any double standards on the matter," the MEA Spokesperson said. The NATO Secretary General had in his recent remarks asked India, China, and Brazil to reconsider their purchase of oil from Russia or face the prospect of "100 per cent secondary sanctions". Rutte echoed the position taken by US President Donald Trump, who earlier this week threatened severe tariffs on countries maintaining trade with Russia. "My encouragement to these three countries, particularly, is that if you live now in Beijing or in Delhi, or you are the President of Brazil, you might want to take a look at this because this might hit you very hard," Rutte had said. The NATO chief had also urged India and the other countries to "make the phone call to Vladimir Putin and tell him that he has to get serious about peace talks" with Ukraine. "because otherwise this will slam back on Brazil, on India and on China in a massive way."
Observer
2 days ago
- Observer
UK, India likely to unveil trade deal next week
NEW DELHI/LONDON: India and Britain are expected to seal a long-awaited free trade deal next week, two Indian government sources said, granting Indian textiles and electric vehicles some duty-free access to the UK market and easing British exports of spirits, cars and food. In May, both countries announced the conclusion of trade negotiations after three years of stop-start negotiations, aiming to increase bilateral trade, remove trade barriers and allow duty-free entry of goods. The countries are now preparing to formally sign the agreement and the announcement could coincide with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's expected visit to London next week, one of the Indian officials said. The trade pact will take effect in about a year, after it is approved by the British parliament and India's federal cabinet, the official added. Officials spoke on the condition of anonymity as the details are not public. "The trade agreement offers a win-win for both countries", the second Indian source said, adding that Indian consumers would gain access to Scotch drinks at lower prices, as import tariffs will drop to 75 per cent from 150 per cent immediately and further to 40 per cent over the next decade. On cars, India will cut duties to 10 per cent from 100 per cent under a quota system that will be gradually liberalised, the sources said. In return, Indian manufacturers are expected to gain access to the UK market for electric and hybrid vehicles, also under a quota regime, they added. India's commerce ministry did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment. Britain's trade ministry said that the countries were working to finalise the deal. "We have been working with India on a landmark trade deal that will deliver for British people and business", a UK government spokesperson said. India's trade ministry has said 99 per cent of Indian exports to Britain would benefit from zero duty under the deal, including textiles, while Britain will see reductions on 90 per cent of its tariff lines. An Indian trade delegation is separately holding talks in Washington, for a potential trade deal with the US as President Donald Trump ramps up his trade war with the threat of sharply higher tariffs from August 1. By 2030, India's middle class is projected to reach 60 million people and could rise to a quarter of a billion by 2050, according to British government estimates. India's overall import demand is forecast to grow by 144 per cent in real terms to $1.88 trillion by 2035, compared to 2021. — Reuters
