THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala chief minister V D Satheesan on Tuesday flagged off two containers from Vizhinjam International Seaport, marking the commencement of export-import (EXIM) operations at the deep-water port.The chief minister, accompanied by Industries, Information Technology and Commerce Minister P K Kunhalikutty and Congress MLA M Vincent, also launched ‘Mission Samudra’, a port-led industrial and logistics development initiative aimed at strengthening Kerala’s maritime economy, according to news agency PTI.Addressing the gathering, Satheesan described the launch of EXIM operations as a significant milestone in the state’s development journey, noting that goods can now be exported to ports across the world from Vizhinjam, while imports are also expected to begin soon.He said that the port was the first one in India to have automated algorithm and artificial intelligence driven system, making Vizhinjam the number one seaport in the country.The chief minister said the state would have benefited far more had road and rail connectivity projects linked to the port been completed over the past decade. However, he added that the government was now taking active steps to bridge the gap.“One of the first decisions taken by this government after coming to power was to decide to give Rs 3,200 crore for acquiring land for the Rs 15,000 crore ring road project. Had we done it earlier, it would have cost us only Rs 1,600 crore.“All the obligations of the government, which were missed out in the last 10 years, contained in the concession agreement will be fulfilled in a time-bound manner,” he contended.Satheesan said the government aims to develop logistics parks, warehousing facilities, container waiting stations, free industrial zones and fish processing hubs around the port. For this, Infrastructure Kerala Ltd (INKEL) and Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (KINFRA) have been directed to acquire the required land in Thiruvananthapuram.The two containers flagged off as part of the EXIM launch carried food products, including idli, sambar and banana fritters. The chief minister highlighted the government’s plans to export traditional Kerala products such as cashew and coir to international markets.“We announced in the budget that products and value-added items made in the state will be given the Keralam brand after examining them and our dream is to export such products from here and this EXIM operation is a part of achieving that,” he said.Speaking about Mission Samudra, Satheesan said the initiative seeks to integrate Kerala’s two international seaports, a container station and 18 mini ports to transform the state into a major port-based economic hub.He said port development would require private investment and the government was already in discussions with potential investors.Under the initiative, the government also plans to establish a cruise ship terminal in Kochi and has assured the necessary land to Kochi Port for the project.The chief minister said the state was exploring ways to connect passenger shipping services with Kerala’s rivers, lakes and backwaters to promote large-scale tourism projects, including river cruises.He also outlined plans for an oceanarium in Kochi and an international-standard museum dedicated to Kerala’s maritime history.Additionally, Satheesan said ports could be linked with academic programmes to create employment opportunities for young people and that a consultancy service could be developed in Vizhinjam to provide expertise in port construction and management.“We have a lot of possibilities before for us and our dream is to make use of them for the benefit of our state and the nation.The first step in that direction has started here with the commencement of the EXIM operations,” he said.In a post on X after the event, the chief minister said, “Happy to inaugurate and flag off EXIM operations at Vizhinjam International Seaport, marking its transformation into a fully operational port, and to launch Mission Samudra, a major initiative aimed at harnessing Kerala’s maritime potential.”He said the government’s focus was on ensuring seamless connectivity between Vizhinjam and Kerala’s road, rail and logistics networks to facilitate efficient movement of goods.“Through Mission Samudra, we are strengthening the maritime ecosystem around Vizhinjam and unlocking new opportunities in logistics, industry, exports and employment. Vizhinjam is more than a port. It is a gateway connecting Keralam to the world and a catalyst for our next phase of development.“Our priority is to build the infrastructure and connectivity required to realise its full potential and position Keralam firmly on the global maritime and trade map,” he said.Vizhinjam International Seaport has been developed by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) under a public-private partnership model at an estimated cost of Rs 8,867 crore.The port received its commercial commissioning certificate in December 2024 and was dedicated to the nation in May 2025.
