On Thursday, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his parliamentary constituency, Thiruvananthapuram, despite facing major travel disruptions at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) in Delhi. Despite the challenges at the airport, Tharoor managed to reach his constituency on time to welcome PM Modi, who had arrived in Kerala to officially commission the Vizhinjam International Seaport.

Tharoor shared his experience on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting the airport delays and calling the Delhi airport "dysfunctional" due to ongoing maintenance work and adverse weather conditions. He expressed his enthusiasm for the commissioning of the Vizhinjam port, a project he had been involved with from its early stages. The port, developed by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), is set to place Kerala firmly on the global maritime map.

Vizhinjam Port: A Major Milestone for Kerala and India

The Vizhinjam International Seaport is a game-changer for both Kerala and India’s maritime sector. It has been developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, with APSEZ, part of the Adani Group, playing a key role in its construction. The port is expected to transform India’s role in global trade and shipping.

The Vizhinjam port has been constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 8,867 crore and received its commercial commissioning certificate on December 4, signaling its readiness for operation. The port is equipped to handle 1 million containers per year and is set for expansion in the coming phases to accommodate 6.4 million additional containers.

This project is a major milestone for Kerala, which invested heavily in the development of the port. Kerala’s Government bore two-thirds of the cost of the project, making it the largest-ever state investment in a port in India. The port is expected to not only boost Kerala's economy but also play a significant role in enhancing India’s maritime infrastructure, facilitating greater trade, and positioning India as a key player in global shipping.

The Importance of PM Modi’s Visit

PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Kerala was marked by the official commissioning of the Vizhinjam port. The Prime Minister’s visit signifies the importance of the port project for both the state and the nation. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan praised the commissioning of the port, calling it a historic moment for the state. On X, he stated, “Tomorrow marks a historic moment as Shri Narendra Modi ji, the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India, dedicates the Vizhinjam International Seaport to the nation.” The commissioning of the port is seen as a major boost for Kerala’s economy, with Vijayan emphasizing the state’s commitment to development.

Challenges Faced by Shashi Tharoor

While the Vizhinjam port project marks a monumental step forward for Kerala, the story behind Shashi Tharoor’s timely arrival to welcome PM Modi also highlights the challenges faced during travel, particularly at Delhi’s IGI Airport. The airport disruptions led to over 600 flight delays, including 198 arrivals and 443 departures, causing chaos among travelers. Tharoor, despite the dysfunctional nature of the airport that day, managed to arrive in Thiruvananthapuram on time to receive PM Modi, demonstrating his commitment to both the project and the people of his constituency.

A Long-Term Vision for India’s Maritime Trade

The Vizhinjam International Seaport is poised to be a transformative project for India’s role in global trade. Once fully operational, it will significantly enhance India’s shipping capacity, attracting international shipping lines and further boosting the economy. The port’s deep-water capabilities make it one of the most strategically important infrastructure projects in the country.

Adani Ports has ensured that the Vizhinjam port will be a state-of-the-art facility capable of handling large volumes of international cargo, making it a central hub in India’s maritime logistics chain. The long-term goal is to make the port not just an asset for Kerala, but also an economic engine that drives the national economy by improving shipping infrastructure, reducing transportation costs, and boosting foreign trade.

Future Prospects and Expansion Plans

The Vizhinjam port is only in its early stages, with plans for future expansion already underway. The port is currently equipped to handle 1 million containers annually, with plans to expand its capacity by an additional 6.4 million containers in subsequent phases. This expansion will position the port as a key gateway for international trade in the region.

As India moves forward in its pursuit of becoming a global maritime power, projects like Vizhinjam will play a pivotal role. PM Modi’s commissioning of the port not only marks the completion of a critical project but also sets the stage for future growth in India’s maritime sector. The state of Kerala, backed by its leadership and investments, is positioning itself to be a significant player in global shipping and trade.

In conclusion, the Vizhinjam International Seaport is a symbol of Kerala’s development aspirations and India’s growing presence in global trade. Shashi Tharoor’s role in welcoming PM Modi and his involvement in the project underscores the importance of collaborative efforts between state and central governments to push such landmark infrastructure initiatives forward. The commissioning of the port is a historic moment for Kerala and India, and the port’s future expansions promise to further enhance India’s economic standing on the world stage.

This project will not only bolster Kerala’s economy but also create new opportunities for employment, international trade, and economic growth for the entire nation.

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