'Malfunctioning Delhi Airport': Congress MP Shashi Tharoor Welcomes Prime Minister Modi in Thiruvananthapuram
Rewritten Article:
Shashi Tharoor Receives Prime Minister Modi Ahead of Vizhinjam Port's Commissioning
In a warm welcome, Congress Lok Sabha MP Shashi Tharoor greeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, despite facing some delays at the notoriously troubled Delhi airport. The occasion was the official commissioning of the much-anticipated Vizhinjam port, a project Tharoor has proudly supported since its inception.
Taking to his favorite platform to share his feelings, Tharoor expressed his excitement about the Vizhinjam port and the PM's arrival in his constituency. He tweeted, "Despite hiccups at the dysfunctional Delhi airport, I managed to land in Thiruvananthapuram in time to receive Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I can't wait to see the official commissioning of Vizhinjam port, a project I've been invested in since its very beginnings."
The Vizhinjam International Deepwater Seaport, destined to be a game-changer in India's maritime infrastructure, is an ₹8,900 crore project developed by the Kerala government. The port is designed for container transhipment and cargo handling, marking a significant step in the country's efforts to boost its maritime trade.
Construction on the port, undertaken under a Public-Private Partnership, began on December 5, 2015, with Adani Vizhinjam Port as the concessionaire. The port's location, approximately 10 nautical miles from major international shipping routes, offers a natural draft of over 20 meters, eliminating the need for considerable dredging to accommodate large container vessels.
A Modern Port with Advanced Technology
One of the key features setting Vizhinjam apart is its utilization of cutting-edge technology. The port boasts fully automated yard cranes and remotely operated ship-to-shore cranes for faster and more efficient operations. Additionally, it boasts India's first AI-driven Vessel Traffic Management System, a brainchild of IIT Madras, designed to optimize ship movements and minimize bottlenecks.
Since trial runs began in July 2024, the port has already hosted 285 vessels, including the MSC Türkiye, one of the world’s largest container carriers. This demonstrates the port's capacity to handle major international shipping traffic effectively.
Positive Economic Impact and Sustainable Practices
The Vizhinjam port is expected to generate numerous job opportunities, both directly and indirectly. Thousands of positions in areas such as logistics, warehousing, and customs will become available as the port comes online. The Adani Group, responsible for the project, and associated industries will likely play a significant role in employment creation, especially for technical, administrative, and support roles.
Furthermore, the port incorporates sustainable port practices, including environmental monitoring and a focus on minimizing its ecological footprint. This commitment to sustainability ensures the port's long-term viability and relevance in the ever-evolving landscape of global maritime trade.
A Promising Future
The operationalization of the port's first phase signifies a significant milestone in India's maritime trade, with subsequent phases aiming to expand capacity and solidify Vizhinjam's role as South Asia's premier transshipment hub. The port's integration into global shipping routes offers India strategic economic advantages and the potential to significantly reduce its reliance on foreign ports like Colombo and Dubai for transshipment.
In essence, the Vizhinjam International Deepwater Seaport stands as a testament to India's growing ambitions in maritime trade, promising to open new avenues for economic growth and bolster the country's global connectivity.
- Delhi Airport
- Shashi Tharoor
Smooth Sailing Ahead: The Vizhinjam International Deepwater Seaport Join us as we navigate the exciting journey of India's first container transhipment port, designed to propel the nation's maritime trade into the future.
- Shashi Tharoor, despite facing some challenges at the Delhi Airport, managed to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi in time, as they were together for the commissioning of the Vizhinjam port.
- The Vizhinjam International Deepwater Seaport, an ₹8,900 crore project supported by Shashi Tharoor, is a game-changer in India's maritime infrastructure, developed by the Kerala government.
- India's maritime trade is set to experience a significant boost with the commissioning of the Vizhinjam port, designed for container transhipment and cargo handling.
- The port's location offers a natural draft of over 20 meters, eliminating the need for considerable dredging to accommodate large container vessels.
- The port's advanced technology includes fully automated yard cranes, remotely operated ship-to-shore cranes, and India's first AI-driven Vessel Traffic Management System.
- Since trial runs began, the port has already hosted 285 vessels, demonstrating its capacity to handle major international shipping traffic effectively.
- The Vizhinjam port is expected to generate numerous job opportunities in areas such as logistics, warehousing, and customs, and it incorporates sustainable port practices to minimize its ecological footprint.
- The operationalization of the port's first phase signifies a significant milestone in India's maritime trade, with subsequent phases aiming to expand capacity and solidify Vizhinjam's role as South Asia's premier transshipment hub, offering India strategic economic advantages and the potential to significantly reduce its reliance on foreign ports.
