Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, announced ambitious plans for India’s maritime future, asserting that the country is on track to become a leading maritime nation under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Sonowal emphasized the necessity of establishing world-class facilities to accommodate all types of vessels at Indian ports. “This is a good development for the country,” he stated, highlighting the strategic importance of enhancing port infrastructure.
The minister revealed plans to develop state-of-the-art ports in Maharashtra and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, covering both the East and West coasts of India. These developments aim to provide global access and reinforce India’s position in the international maritime arena.
The first mothership of Vizhinjam International Seaport, San Fernando, a Maersk Line Vessel arrives at the seaport’s outer point, in Thiruvananthapuram.
Vizhinjam International Port, developed under a public-private partnership model, began construction in 2015. On August 17, 2015, the Government of Kerala entered into a concession agreement with Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Ltd. (AVPPL) for the development and operation of the Vizhinjam International deepwater multipurpose port and construction work started on December 5. This vessel, carrying over 1,000 containers, is anchored at the port as part of a trial run ahead of the commencement of commercial operations.