The Vizhinjam Port inauguration ceremony was observed by Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Mr Adani, and Congress MP Shashi Tharoor.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday showered praise on industrialist Gautam Adani during the formal inauguration of the Vizhinjam International Seaport, a key infrastructure project led by the Adani Group in Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram district.
“Even Gujarat Will Be Jealous” — Modi Jokes
In a lighthearted moment, PM Modi said:
“I just visited the port. But when the people of Gujarat learn that Gautam Adani has built such a great port in Kerala… In Gujarat, he has been working on ports for 30 years. But never has he built a port like this. So he should be ready to face the anger of the people of Gujarat.”
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The comment, made with a smile, drew laughter from the gathered dignitaries and audience.
A Strategic Maritime Milestone
The Vizhinjam port, constructed at an estimated cost of ₹8,867 crore, is expected to significantly reduce India’s reliance on foreign ports for transhipment. The deep-sea facility is designed to handle large container vessels and strengthen India’s maritime trade capabilities.
Public-Private Partnership Success
The project was developed through a public-private partnership (PPP) between the Government of Kerala and Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) — the country’s largest private port operator and part of the Adani conglomerate.
Event Highlights and Dignitaries Present
The inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of key leaders, including:
- Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar
- Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan
- Congress MP Shashi Tharoor
- Gautam Adani himself
PM Modi took a brief aerial tour of the port site and later inspected the operational facilities while wearing a hard hat, underscoring the port’s readiness and advanced infrastructure.
Already Operational
Although officially inaugurated now, the port received its commercial commissioning certificate in December last year after successful trial runs, indicating that full-scale operations are already underway.