PrintFriendly
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 2nd May dedicated the Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport, developed at a cost of Rs 8,800 crore, to the nation during a public event in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Speaking about Kerala’s long-standing maritime legacy, the Prime Minister highlighted that before colonial rule, India was a hub of global trade and prosperity, with Kerala playing a vital role.
• Strategic Significance of Vizhinjam Port: Built at a cost of Rs. 8,800 crore, the port is positioned to become a major transshipment hub, reducing India’s dependency on foreign ports and retaining revenue within the country.
• Spiritual and Cultural Context: The inauguration coinciding with the birth anniversary of Adi Shankaracharya emphasizes the cultural unity of Bharat, linking spiritual heritage with national development.
• Economic and Historical Relevance of Kerala: PM Modi drew on Kerala’s historical role in maritime trade, tying it to current efforts to revive and strengthen India’s port economy.
• Infrastructure and Connectivity: Enhanced port connectivity through projects like Sagarmala and PM Gati Shakti, and the integration of transport systems, are central to this initiative.
• Shipbuilding Push: A shipbuilding and repair cluster in Kochi and supportive policies for large ship construction aim to boost manufacturing and employment, particularly for MSMEs.
• Support for Fishermen and Coastal Communities: Significant investments under Blue Revolution and PM Matsya Sampada Yojana, modernization of fishing harbors, and Kisan Credit Cards for fishermen were emphasized.