Let’s take a moment to talk about a quiet coastal town in Kerala, that’s suddenly found itself in the global spotlight—Vizhinjam. You may not have heard much about it before, but trust us, this place is now home to one of India’s biggest game-changers in maritime trade. After nearly 80 years of dreaming and delays, Vizhinjam has finally made it. Yes, India’s first deep-water container transshipment port is now officially up and running and it’s not just any port. Inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Vizhinjam International Seaport is being hailed as a major turning point for the country’s shipping and logistics ecosystem. So, why is Vizhinjam such a big deal? For starters, location, location, location. This port sits just 10 nautical miles away from the busiest global shipping route. That makes it the most strategically placed port in India when it comes to international trade. It’s also the only Indian port with a natural draft of 20 metres, which means it can host some of the biggest container ships in the world. In fact, Vizhinjam has already welcomed giants like MSC Claude Girardet and handled record-breaking container loads. That’s pretty impressive for a port that only started full-scale commercial operations in December. A port with brains and heart Here’s something that sets Vizhinjam apart: it’s India’s first greenfield semi-automated port. And guess who’s operating those big cranes? Skilled women, trained at the Vizhinjam Community Skill Park. That’s a first for India, and a proud moment for both the state and the country. Big plans, fast-forwarded Originally scheduled for completion in 2045, the full development of the port is now being fast-tracked to wrap up by 2028. With the Kerala government, Adani Ports, and the Union Government all working together, things are moving quickly. The next phases worth ₹20,000 crore will expand the port’s container handling capacity nearly fivefold. The State is also going all out to put Vizhinjam on the global map—showcasing it at the World Economic Forum, global investor meets, and even dedicating the cover of its state budget to the port. But it’s not all smooth sailing yet…