Coastal States and port cities are seen as key growth engines for a developed India.
Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the ₹8,800-crore Vizhinjam International Deepwater Seaport in Kerala.
The Centre aims to strengthen the maritime sector as a powerful economic channel.
Growth in port economy needs both strong infrastructure and ease of doing business.
Public-private partnerships (PPP) have brought in thousands of crores to upgrade ports.
Vizhinjam port has a natural depth of nearly 20 metres and lies close to a major global sea trade route.
It is India’s first dedicated container transshipment port, built by Adani Ports with the Kerala government.
The port is expected to boost India’s global trade role and reduce dependence on foreign transshipment hubs.
Previously, 75% of India’s transshipment happened through foreign ports, causing revenue loss.
The capacity of the Vizhinjam port is expected to triple, allowing the docking of the world’s largest cargo ships.
Two Indian ports now rank in the world’s top 30, and India is among the top 20 in global shipbuilding.
A shipbuilding and repair cluster is being developed in Kochi to create jobs and boost local industry.
Modi referenced Adi Shankara and Saint Thomas Church to highlight Kerala’s rich spiritual and cultural legacy.
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