Did Karan Adani Truly Praise Saji Cherian for Vizhinjam Port Issues?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Saji Cherian's efforts were recognized by Karan Adani.
- The Vizhinjam Port is a significant infrastructure project.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the port to the nation.
- The port aims to enhance India's maritime capabilities.
- It is India's first dedicated container transshipment port.
Thiruvananthapuram, May 2 (NationPress) Kerala Fisheries and Culture Minister Saji Cherian reflected on a significant occasion from July of last year, when Karan Adani, Managing Director of Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd (APSEZ), personally commended him for his dedication in addressing challenges faced by the fishing community at Vizhinjam.
In a conversation with IANS, Cherian expressed his astonishment when Karan Adani approached him on stage during the official ceremony welcoming the first mothership at the Vizhinjam International Seaport last year.
“I felt a genuine sense of joy because I had put in a lot of effort to tackle the port-related issues impacting the fishing sector. Karan Adani came over, shook my hand, and expressed his gratitude for my contributions,” Cherian remarked.
“It was reassuring to know that he had thoroughly examined the situation and recognized that everything was resolved effectively,” he added.
Cherian mentioned that Kerala Ports Minister V.N. Vasavan, who observed their conversation, later inquired about what had occurred. “I shared the details with him,” Cherian said, smiling.
Cherian is serving as the chairman of the reception committee for today’s significant event, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is officially dedicating the Vizhinjam Port to the nation.
Prime Minister Modi arrived in Vizhinjam at 10:30 a.m., receiving a warm welcome from Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, who draped a shawl around his shoulders. Chief Minister Vijayan and other ministers were also present.
This marks Modi’s inaugural visit to Kerala in 2025; he reached Thiruvananthapuram the previous night.
The Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport, constructed at a cost of Rs 8,900 crore, is India’s first dedicated container transshipment port. It represents a significant advancement in India's maritime infrastructure, in line with the broader vision of Viksit Bharat.
Strategically important, Vizhinjam Port has been identified as a national priority. Its development is expected to enhance India’s global trade position, boost logistics efficiency, and lessen reliance on foreign ports for cargo transshipment.