Future of Vizhinjam Port: Enhancing India’s Maritime Role & Addressing Key Challenges

CPPR's Maalavika Ajith (Associate, Research) gets in conversation with
Dr. R P Pradhan, Distinguished Fellow (Political Economy), CPPR; and Professor at the Dept. of Humanities & Social Sciences, BITS Pilani, KK Birla Goa Campus
and
Mr. Arun Gupta, Independent Director, Dredging Corporation of India Limited; and Ex-Chairman & Managing Director of the Shipping Corporation of India Ltd
on
"The Future of Vizhinjam Port: Enhancing India’s Maritime Role & Addressing Key Challenges"
The Vizhinjam port, located near Trivandrum in Kerala is an ambitious project taken up by the Government of Kerala. It is designed primarily to cater to container transshipment, as well as multi-purpose and break bulk cargo.
The port is currently being developed in a landlord model with a Public-Private Partnership component on a design, build, finance, operate and transfer (“DBFOT”) basis. The port has a lot of significance strategically, economically, and geopolitically.
Vizhinjam Port is just 10 nautical miles from a crucial international shipping route connecting Europe, the Persian Gulf, and the Far East. Its position allows it to serve as a cost-effective transshipment hub, reducing reliance on foreign ports like Colombo.
The port is expected to stimulate regional economic growth by attracting investments, creating jobs, and fostering industries related to construction, services, and logistics. It aligns with India's Act East Policy, improving maritime connectivity with Southeast Asia and enhancing trade with ASEAN countries.
It also strengthens India’s strategic presence in the Indian Ocean, supporting regional security and economic integration. Vizhinjam Port is central to India's strategy to reduce dependence on foreign ports for transshipment, thereby cutting costs and improving trade efficiency. Its advanced facilities and strategic location position India as a key player in global shipping, making it a pivotal hub in the Indian Ocean region.