'Amaravati the start of building Swarna Andhra'

PRIME Minister Narendra Modi on Friday dedicated the Rs 8,700-crore Vizhinjam International Seaport - India's first deep-water, multipurpose port - to the nation at a grand ceremony in Thiruvananthapuram.

- EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @T'Puram

Touting Vizhinjam as a gateway to global maritime trade, Modi said the port marks a major step forward for India's transshipment capabilities and economic self-reliance. "This port will unlock immense economic potential and place Kerala at the heart of global trade routes," he said. Calling Vizhinjam a symbol of "new-age development", the PM termed it a confluence of natural beauty and strategic potential. "The capacity of this transshipment hub will triple in the coming years, allowing the world's largest cargo ships to dock here," he said. "Until now, 75% of India's transshipment took place in foreign ports leading to substantial revenue loss. That is now set to change." He was referring to the revenue loss of $200 to $400 million due to India's reliance on foreign ports. The development of Vizhinjam, he said, will keep that revenue within the country and create new economic opportunities, particularly for Kerala and its people. "India's money will now serve India," he said. Modi also credited the private sector's role in maritim