Kerala Gears Up for Grand PM Welcome at Vizhinjam Port Inauguration.

Kerala is gearing up for a momentous occasion on May 2nd with the inauguration of the Vizhinjam International Port, an event Ports and Cooperation Minister VN Vasavan described as a "historic moment" that will position the state as a global leader in maritime trade.

Minister Vasavan convened a meeting to establish a reception committee dedicated to ensuring a grand and memorable inauguration ceremony, to be officiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The meeting focused on planning supplementary activities to amplify the significance of the event and encourage widespread participation.

The construction of the Vizhinjam port was officially completed and handed over in December. Demonstrating its potential, the port has already exceeded expectations during its three-month trial run, handling approximately 500,000 containers across over 265 ship arrivals.

While the port's operational readiness is a significant achievement, Minister Vasavan acknowledged that railway and road connectivity projects are still underway. The proposed 10.7km railway line will largely run underground (9.2km), and the detailed project report prepared by Konkan Railway has received the necessary approval from the Ministry of Railways. Land acquisition for this crucial infrastructure will commence following the approval of social and environmental impact studies.

Addressing road connectivity, a committee led by the Chief Secretary has reached an agreement with the National Highway Authority of India to resolve existing issues. As an interim measure, a 1.6km temporary road is slated for completion soon. Minister Vasavan indicated that the commissioning of the port's first phase will pave the way for the commencement of the second phase of construction.

Presiding over the reception committee meeting, Minister of General Education and Labour V Sivankutty emphasized the collective responsibility of ensuring a grand welcome for the Prime Minister and maximizing public engagement in the inauguration ceremony. He urged local institutions to actively promote the event and facilitate widespread public participation, underscoring the significance of this milestone for Kerala's future.

ET