PM Modi to dedicate Vizhinjam port to the nation today; CPI(M) and Congress claim credit
PM Modi Inaugurates Vizhinjam Port; CPI(M) and Congress Clash Over Credit
Thiruvananthapuram, May 2: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala today. The port, seen as a game-changer in India’s maritime sector, is expected to boost international trade and cut dependency on foreign transshipment hubs. However, even as Modi hailed the project’s potential, political tensions flared. Both the CPI(M) and the Congress claimed credit for initiating the port project.
A New Era for Indian Shipping
Vizhinjam is India’s first deep-water transshipment container port. Built through a public-private partnership between the Kerala government and Adani Ports, the port sits just 10 nautical miles from a major international shipping lane. This location allows it to receive large container vessels that many Indian ports cannot accommodate.
Prime Minister Modi praised the port’s potential to transform the economy.
“Vizhinjam port will reduce logistics costs and strengthen India’s position in global trade,” he said.
The project aims to redirect cargo that currently moves through ports in Colombo and Singapore.
Political Tug-of-War Over Credit
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan joined Modi at the inauguration. He acknowledged that multiple governments played roles in completing the port. Vijayan said the people of Kerala, along with successive administrations, deserve recognition.
“This is the result of collective efforts, not the achievement of a single party,” Vijayan stated.
The Congress quickly issued a response. They emphasized that the port’s planning and initial agreements took place during their term. Former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy signed the agreement with the Adani Group between 2011 and 2016.
Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala said,
“The UDF government started the project. The BJP is only inaugurating it.”
Adani Group’s Role and Delays
The Adani Group is leading the construction and development of the port. Though the project faced delays due to protests, COVID-19, and global supply chain issues, the company continued work steadily. Completion is now expected by 2025.
Gautam Adani shared a message on X (formerly Twitter):
“We are proud to be part of a project that puts India on the global shipping map.”
Economic Impact and Strategic Value
In its first phase, the port will handle around one million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) each year. Later phases aim to expand capacity to over six million TEUs. This expansion could save India billions by reducing transshipment through foreign ports. It will also create jobs and attract investments in logistics, warehousing, and transport sectors.
Mixed Reactions from Locals
Business leaders have welcomed the port’s inauguration. Many believe it will improve Kerala’s economic landscape. However, some coastal communities remain concerned. Fishing families fear displacement and loss of livelihood. Environmental groups have also voiced concerns about the project’s impact on marine ecosystems.
Elections and Political Messaging
The port’s inauguration comes ahead of national elections. The BJP hopes to gain political traction in Kerala, where it has limited influence. Meanwhile, the CPI(M) and Congress aim to highlight their roles in the port’s development. Each party wants to connect the port with its record on infrastructure and governance.
Political analysts say the credit battle reveals the port’s significance. It is more than a shipping hub — it’s now a symbol of economic vision and political legacy.
