Keralam CM flags off Vizhinjam port EXIM operations, says this opens State’s development gateway to world

Flagging off EXIM (export-import) operations at Vizhinjam International Seaport in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday (August 18, 2026), Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan said the beginning of EXIM cargo operations marked the port’s transformation into a fully operational facility, opening Keralam’s development gateway to the world.

Highlighting the port’s advanced technology, including the AI-powered automated systems that were among the most advanced in the country, Mr. Satheesan said goods going through the Vizhinjam port could now be exported to ports across all six continents in a short span of time. Mission Samudra, an initiative aimed at harnessing Keralam’s maritime potential, was also launched on the occasion.

Full-scale EXIM operations commenced at the Vizhinjam port on Tuesday
| Photo Credit:
Nirmal Harindran

Criticising the previous government for “failing to ensure” timely rail and road connectivity to the port in the last 10 years, he said Keralam could have reaped “a hundred times” the benefits had the infrastructure been completed earlier. The Chief Minister also said the government had taken responsibility for developing a port-related industrial ecosystem and had instructed KINFRA and INKEL to acquire additional land in areas surrounding Vizhinjam to tap the port’s potential.

Cruise terminal in Kochi

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 Keralam’s 44 rivers, along with cruise tourism linking major coastal cities.

Emphasising Keralam’s export potential, Mr. Satheesan, while flagging off two containers shipped by MSC to European countries, noted that products “such as idli, sambar and pazampori” (banana fry) were among the consignments being exported today. This is an opportunity for the State to take Keralam-branded products, including spices, handloom goods, cashew and coir, to global markets.

Absence of some political leaders

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 the 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,” Mr. Satheesan added.

Full-scale EXIM operations commence at the Vizhinjam port
| Video Credit:
Nirmal Harindran

“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 said. The government’s priority was to build the infrastructure and connectivity needed to realise the port’s full potential and position Kerala firmly on the global maritime and trade map, he added. The EXIM operations began at the port after a 20-month of the commercial operations.