The Vizhinjam International Port has officially come into operation since commercial operations were initiated after a five-month long trial phase of the port and paved the way for significant steps to be taken forward in the state of Kerala with regard to enhancement of international trade. This marks one of the milestone constructions, as all procedures connected with the agreement were completed in this new port. It would indeed change the face of the state’s economy as it would further boost trade potential, infrastructural development, and overall progress.
Key Milestone for Vizhinjam International Port
The Vizhinjam International Port has begun its commercial operations, which is the culmination of a series of comprehensive trial runs. This port had been under construction for years and involved planning, construction, and coordination with different stakeholders, such as Vizhinjam International Seaport Ltd, Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Ltd, and IIT Madras, to name a few.
All the tests came to a successful
The first phase of construction work has been thoroughly completed and the port is in working conditions. Besides this, it is going to be huge infrastructural support to Kerala and help Kerala reach a stand on high rank in the global trade map,” said V.N. Vasavan, Minister of Ports.
It has appointed an independent engineer to make thorough examination for issuing only a provisional completion certificate. The same shall officially declare that this important stage of construction with operational arrangement is completed.
Role of State Government and Adani Ports
A recent supplementary concession agreement sealed between the state government and Adani Ports shall commission Vizhinjam International Port. This supplement cements their partnership and draws out the outlines for further developments and management into the port.
Minister Vasavan clarified that though the minor work would be completed in the coming months, it would not affect the operations. Minor works would be done within three months to avoid any hitch in the port running.
Success Story of the Port and Cargo Handling
One of the noticeable successes of Vizhinjam Port in its trail run is it has successfully moved 70 cargo vessels including ultra large mother ships during its trail run and, during this trial period of six months it processed around 147,000 containers, and thereby proving their capability to deal with huge volumes of shipping volumes from the day of its very commencement.
The port has been able to handle such huge transportation and thus, endorses the high degree of infrastructure and facilities available at Vizhinjam. The success in the trial phase will pave the way for increased operations as the port will continue to receive cargo shipments almost every alternate day.
Excellent Prospect for International Trade
Commercial activities would now soon get underway with the Vizhinjam Port emerging as an integral part of international trade. Export and import in the region, with a strong infrastructure, at a strategic location, will show immense scope in the near future.
It is going to be a major turnaround for the state of Kerala in the international trade as stated by Minister Vasavan. The port will play a significant role in propelling economic growth for the state. The working port will become an important gateway for shifting the EXIM containers which are going to enhance the trading capacity for the state considerably.
Economic Impact and Future Prospects
Commercial operations will begin at Vizhinjam Port, thereby having a great deal of economic importance for the State of Kerala. With this major cargo shipping hub, logistics for business will reach markets more effectively through smooth and faster means.
The port will increase the economy of the locality through employment, infrastructure development, and growth of ancillary industries. Better connectivity will also enhance tourism activities in Kerala and add to the growth of the economy.
Changing the Scoring of Kerala’s Trade
Opening of the Vizhinjam Port brings more importance, not only to Kerala but to the large scale of the country’s trade networks. It improves the state competitiveness in international trading with the count of proper capacity for EXIM container handling cargo ships. Enhanced prominence for the global supply chain will be developed by special concentration on international shipping by the port.
Conclusion
The Vizhinjam International Port has finally entered commercial operations, a much-awaited milestone in Kerala’s economic journey. Since the first phase of construction has been completed and the port is ready, these are expected to deliver most of the benefits in terms of increased trade, improved infrastructure, and extended avenues for employment. This milestone, further strengthens the position of the region into global trade and opens up avenues for future growth in the economy.
The port will expand further and have a strong impact on different sectors, which will make Kerala a prime trading hub in India.
Refer:
TOI, Link to article
Also read : Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047: Key Goals for India’s Maritime Growth