Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Vijinjam Cipport in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday and said that this trade would promote commerce and be particularly beneficial for Kerala’s economy.
“Prior to slavery, India had seen prosperity for thousands of years. At one time, there were major cities in global GDP in India. At that time, we were distinguished by other countries, our maritime capacity was a major contributor to our port cities and economic activities of Kerala”, PM Modi said.
PM Modi, who reached Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday night, took a helicopter to reach the port area this morning and took stock of the facilities before the inauguration of ‘Vijinjam International Deepwatter Multipurpose CEPLO’, which was completed at an estimated cost of Rs 8,900 crore.
In his public address, PM Modi said, “During the G20 Summit, we had entered into agreements with many big countries on the Indo-East-European corridor. In this route, Kerala is in a very important position. Kerala is going to benefit largely from this … Private sector plays an important role in bringing the maritime sector of our country into a high area …”
This ambitious project of the Kerala government has been developed under public-private partnership by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ)
The inauguration at Thiruvanathanapuram of the project manufactured by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (Apsez), which is India’s first deep water dedicated container transmission port, was organized in the presence of the Governor of Kerala, Pinarei Vijayan, Kerala’s Governor, Rajendra Vishwanath, Rajendra Vishwanath, the Governor of the Minister of Maintenance. Adani Group President Gautam Adani failed Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
PM Modi insisted that Vijinjam International Deepwater is an example of the multipurpose seport “development of the new-era”, as it is located at one end of the deep sea, while on the other hand, it provides several opportunities, which is the beauty of nature.
“On the one hand, it is a large sea with so many occasions and on the other, there is the beauty of nature, in the middle it is ‘Vizinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Celand’, which symbolizes the development of the new-era”, PM Modi said to the public in his address.
The Prime Minister said that the capacity of this transmission hub will be three times in the coming years, which will make the smooth arrival of some of the world’s largest cargo ships. He said that 75 percent of India’s transpiration operations were first conducted at foreign ports, which led to significant revenue loss for the country.
Emphasizing that this situation is now determined to change, PM Modi said that India’s money will now serve India and the money that flows outside the country will now create new economic opportunities for the people of Kerala and Vizinjam.
Given that Kerala played an important role in this maritime power and economic development, PM Modi highlighted the historical role of Kerala in maritime trade, emphasizing that through the Arabian Sea, India maintained trade relations with many countries.
He said that Kerala ships took goods to various countries, making it an important center for global commerce. “Today, the Government of India is committed to further strengthening this channel of economic power”, he said, “India’s coastal state and port cities will become a major center for the development of a developed India”.
“The port economy reaches its full capacity when infrastructure and ease of doing business are promoted simultaneously”, the Prime Minister said that in the last 10 years, it has been losing the port and waterway policy of the Government of India.
He highlighted that the government has intensified efforts for industrial activities and overall development of states. He further commented that the Government of India, in collaboration with the state governments, upgraded the Port Infrastructure under the Sagarmala project and strengthened the port connectivity. He said that under PM Gati Shakti, waterways, railways, highways and airways are being rapidly integrated for seamless connectivity.
The Prime Minister said that the Government of India has also improved the rules related to Indian maritime passengers, which give important results. He reported that in 2014, the number of Indian ceffles was below 1.25 lakhs. Today, this figure has moved beyond 3.25 lakhs. He emphasized that India now rank among the top three countries globally in terms of maritime numbers.
A decade ago, ships faced long waiting time at ports, unloading operations were significantly delayed, PM Modi said the recession affected businesses, industries and overall economy. He insisted that the situation has now changed and in the last 10 years, India’s major ports have reduced the turn-round time of the ship by 30 percent, which has improved operational efficiency.
He commented that due to increased port efficiency, India is now handling more cargo versions in a short term, strengthening the country’s logistics and trade capabilities.
“India’s maritime success is a result of a decade long vision and effort”, PM Modi said that in the last 10 years, India has doubled the capacity of its ports and increased its national waterways eight times.
He said that today, two Indian ports are among the global top 30 ports, while India’s ranking on the logistics performance index has also improved. Additionally, he reported that India is now one of the top 20 countries in global ship construction.
The Prime Minister highlighted that India is moving forward to set up a ship -making and repair cluster in Kochi, which was once completed, will create many new employment opportunities, providing a platform for Kerala’s local talent and youth for development.
The Prime Minister further said that India is now setting ambitious goals to strengthen its ship -making capabilities. He said that this year’s Union Budget introduced a new policy to promote the manufacture of large ships in India, which would greatly promote the manufacturing sector. He emphasized that this initiative will provide direct benefits for MSME, which will create a large number of employment and entrepreneurial opportunities across the country.
The Prime Minister said, “When the infrastructure is created, real development is achieved, the business expands, and the basic needs of the common people are met”, the Prime Minister said, the people of Kerala have seen rapid progress in the last 10 years, not only in the port infrastructure, but also in highways, railways and airports.
He said that projects like Kollam bypass and Alappuzha bypass, which had been halted over the years, were advanced by the Government of India. He also said that Kerala has been provided with modern Vande Bharat trains, which further strengthened its transport network and connectivity.
PM Modi imagined Kerala as a major center for global maritime trade, making thousands of new jobs. He confirmed the Indian government’s commitment, working with the state government to carry forward this goal. PM Modi expressed confidence in the capabilities of the people of Kerala and said, “India’s sea field will reach new heights”.
The first dedicated container transmission port, produced for an estimated Rs 8,800 crore, has been identified as a major priority project that will contribute to strengthening India’s position in global trade, increasing logistics efficiency and reducing dependence on foreign ports for cargo transmission. One of one of the world’s busiest marine trade routes, about 20 meters and its natural deep draft further strengthens India’s position in global trade. (AI)
