Fri May 02 08:01:55 UTC 2025: ## Vizhinjam Port: Kerala’s Grand Gateway to Global Trade Opens
**THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, May 2, 2025** – The Vizhinjam International Seaport, a major infrastructure project spearheaded by the Kerala State government, officially opened today. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan hailed the port as a “grand gateway to the development potential of the third millennium,” highlighting its significance in connecting India to global maritime trade and ending the diversion of 75% of India’s container transshipment cargo to foreign ports, resulting in an estimated annual loss of $220 million.
The ₹8,686 crore ($1.06 billion USD approx) project, with the state government contributing ₹5,370.86 crore and Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Limited ₹2,497 crore, is the first major port in India built on the initiative of a state government. The central government provided a viability gap fund of ₹818 crore.
Vijayan emphasized the project’s long history, originating from a 1996 LDF government initiative, overcoming numerous hurdles including bureaucratic delays, natural disasters (including the 2018 floods), and the COVID-19 pandemic. He praised the Adani Group for their role in the project’s completion. The port is expected to create over 5,000 direct jobs and contribute significantly to Kerala’s and India’s economic development.
First Piper 