Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday dedicated the 'Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport' in Kerala to the nation. Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, and Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani were also present on the occassion. During the event, PM Modi also took a jab at his opponents, saying the event will give many a sleepless night.
Vizhinjam Seaport: The Significance
Vizhinjam Seaport, an ambitious project of the Kerala government has been developed under the public-private partnership by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ). The ₹8,900 crore port has become a reality after a long wait of decades.
A Transshipment Hub
It’s India’s first deep-water, all-weather transshipment hub. Transshipment refers to the process of transferring goods from one mode of transportation to another or between different vessels. It essentially involves unloading cargo from one vehicle or vessel and reloading it onto another at an intermediate location or "transshipment hub".
Close To Global Shipping Lane
Critical to India’s infrastructure ambitions this port in Kerala is just 10 nautical miles from a key global shipping lane. With a natural depth of 24 metres, it doesn’t need need any dredging. That means Vizhinjam port can handle the world’s largest cargo ships.
The Port With Smart Technology
The port is not just big — it’s smart as well. It has features such as Artificial Intelligene-based vessel tracking, automated cranes. The smart yard systems deployed at the port have been developed in collaboration with IIT Madras.
A Gamechanger Port
Prime Minister Modi has called it a “symbol of new-age development.” The port is a gamechanger that cuts India’s dependence on foreign ports. It’s also expected to bring back a big slice of outbound cargo.
ALSO WATCH: Blue Waters, Bold Vision: How India Can Leverage the Indian Ocean?
PM Modi’s Political Jab
Speaking at the inauguration of the port, PM Modi also took a political swipe. Addressing Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, and highlighting Congress MP Shashi Tharoor’s presence PM Modi said, “Mr. Chief Minister, you’re a strong pillar of the INDIA alliance. Shashi Tharoor is here too. Today’s event is bound to keep a lot of people up at night.”Political commentators see two key reasons behind this statement. One — Shashi Tharoor recently praised Modi’s response to the Pahalgam terror attack. That didn’t sit well with his party. Earlier also, Tharoor has backed Modi on foreign policy too.Two — the port’s built by Gautam Adani’s Adani Group. The billionaire from Gujarat has been a regular target of the INDIA bloc. Put it together — and you see why Modi’s line hit home.
