Opposition Leader Criticizes Kerala Govt Over Vizhinjam Port Inauguration Snub

VD Satheesan criticizes Kerala government for not inviting him to the Vizhinjam Port inauguration, stating the Opposition started the project. CM Pinarayi Vijayan welcomed the first mothership and highlighted the port's global significance. The port, built by APSEZ, will reduce dependence on foreign transshipment hubs.

Launching a scathing attack on the Kerala government for not inviting him to the inauguration of the Vizhinjam Port, Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan said his government inaugurated the construction in 2015. He accused Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of trying to take credit for the project.

Satheesan remarked, "The Vizhinjam Port is a reality, and it will be commissioned in six months. The Opposition of Kerala is celebrating this day because it is our 'baby'. We have been trying to make this port for three decades. We started this project in 1991 when K Karunakaran was the CM. Unfortunately, we couldn't complete it. The present government didn't take any initiative to make necessary road or rail connectivity, yet now they're trying to take credit."

Meanwhile, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan welcomed the first mothership, San Fernando, at the Vizhinjam International Seaport on Friday. Vijayan highlighted that India had now positioned itself on the global map through the Vizhinjam port, calling it a proud moment for the nation. He stated, "India enters the global map through Vizhinjam. The biggest ships in the world can berth here. The operation is starting through a trial run and will start fully functioning soon. This is becoming the mother port and is a proud moment."

Vizhinjam seaport, located close to the famous Kovalam beach, has water connectivity to many regional and international ports. This is India's first transshipment port, reducing dependence on Colombo, Dubai, and Singapore. Built by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), the port had a total investment of Rs 8,867 crore, with the Kerala government contributing Rs 5,595 crore and the central government Rs 818 crore.

Construction of the Vizhinjam International Port started in 2016 under a public-private partnership. The project was allotted to APSEZ on December 5, 2015, following a concession agreement between the Government of Kerala and Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Ltd. (AVPPL) on August 17, 2015. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)