Vizhinjam port begins EXIM operations; Kerala CM calls it development gateway

Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Tuesday (August 18, 2026) flagged off export-import (EXIM) operations at Vizhinjam International Seaport in Thiruvananthapuram, marking the port's transition to a fully operational facility. The Chief Minister said the port's advanced technology, including AI-powered automated systems, would enable goods to reach ports across six continents within a short time.

He also launched Mission Samudra, an initiative aimed at harnessing Kerala's maritime potential. Highlighting the port's significance, Mr. Satheesan said the beginning of EXIM cargo operations opened Kerala's development gateway to the world.

The Chief Minister criticised the previous government for failing to ensure timely rail and road connectivity to the port over the last 10 years. He said Kerala could have reaped 'a hundred times' the benefits had the infrastructure been completed earlier. He added that the current government had taken responsibility for developing a port-related industrial ecosystem and had directed KINFRA and INKEL to acquire additional land in areas surrounding Vizhinjam to tap the port's potential.

The government has also informed the Cochin port about its plan to acquire land required for setting up a cruise terminal in Kochi. The proposal aims to promote inland river tourism connecting Kerala's 44 rivers, along with cruise tourism linking major coastal cities.

Emphasising Kerala's export potential, Mr. Satheesan flagged off two containers shipped by MSC to European countries. He noted that products such as idli, sambar and pazampori (banana fry) were among the consignments being exported. He said this was an opportunity for the state to take Kerala-branded products, including spices, handloom goods, cashew and coir, to global markets.

The event, however, was marked by the absence of some political leaders. Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan did not attend, citing a CPI(M) State secretariat meeting. The BJP reportedly boycotted the function over the state government's decision not to sing Vande Mataram during Independence Day celebrations. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, BJP MLAs and the Thiruvananthapuram Mayor were also absent.

Ahead of the flag-off, the state leadership led by the Chief Minister held discussions with investor groups to explore opportunities to scale up EXIM operations at Vizhinjam. In a social media post, Mr. Satheesan said the government would provide regulatory facilitation, infrastructure support and other assistance to enable investors to expand their global export activities through the port.

'Through Mission Samudra, we are strengthening the maritime ecosystem around Vizhinjam and unlocking new opportunities in logistics, industry, exports and employment,' he said. 'Vizhinjam is more than a port. It is a gateway connecting Kerala to the world and a catalyst for our next phase of development,' he added. The EXIM operations began at the port after 20 months of commercial operations.