Modi to inaugurate India's mother port in Kerala

India Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate India’s first dedicated container transhipment port at 11 am on Friday, marking a significant milestone in the country's maritime sector.

- Ashraf Padanna

The Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport, located in Kerala's capital, is anticipated to revolutionise India’s standing in global trade, improve logistics efficiency, and minimise dependence on foreign ports for cargo transhipment.

One of the port's most notable features is its natural deep draft of nearly 20 metres, the deepest in India, crucial for accommodating the world’s largest vessels.

Its strategic location near one of the busiest sea trade routes reinforces India’s global trade position and facilitates quicker turnaround times for shipping logistics.

Authorities say it will usher in a new era in maritime history and significantly enhance India’s participation in international sea trade.

The developer and operator, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), took almost a decade to complete the project's first phase.

This phase includes the construction of a robust 3,000-meter breakwater designed to protect the port's operations and an 800-meter container berthing facility.