‘First port to prioritize women workforce’
By: Owais Gul
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: The state-of-the-art Vizhinjam International Seaport has not only been making prominence globally by serving as a gateway to global maritime trade, but the port has prioritised local employment, ensuring that nearly 70 per cent of jobs are provided to people from the surrounding areas.
During the ongoing media tour organised by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Srinagar, the press delegation from Srinagar visited the Vizhinjam International Transshipment Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport in Kerala, a strategic maritime infrastructure project developed by Adani Ports.
In an interaction with the delegation, Pradeep Jayaraman, CEO, Adani Vizhinjam Port, stated that the port has been making its name throughout the globe by ensuring the world’s best technology, which many other developed countries are struggling to begin with.
He said the port has introduced all the techniques and other related things by keeping the environment in mind. “Besides, the port has prioritized local employment by ensuring that nearly 70 per cent of jobs are provided to people from the surrounding areas.
“It is the first place where the women work force have been prioritized as well in many tasks, which were earlier only being kept for the men,” the CEO added.
Inaugurated in May 2025 by the Prime Minister of India, Vizhinjam International Seaport (VIS) is India’s first major, deep-water container transshipment hub designed to serve as a gateway to global maritime trade.
Addressing the delegation, Pradeep Jayaraman, CEO, Adani Vizhinjam Port highlighted the role of Vizhinjam as a transshipment hub that reduces dependence on foreign ports for container handling, enhances logistical efficiencies, and strengthens India’s position in global supply chains.
Jayaraman informed about the state-of-the-art infrastructure at Vizhinjam Port, including modern quay cranes, advanced yard equipment, and integrated digital systems for efficient cargo handling and port operations. Vizhinjam’s geographic advantages, such as its natural depth and proximity to international shipping lanes, were underscored as key factors enabling seamless transshipment of containers between major global destinations, he added.
The port’s multimodal connectivity, linking maritime operations with hinterland transportation networks to facilitate efficient movement of goods within and beyond India’s borders.
Jayaraman elaborated on how the port’s design and operational planning aim to foster economic activity, create employment opportunities and support regional development. Vizhinjam Port has several notable firsts, including India’s first female crane operator, reflecting the port’s emphasis on inclusivity and skill development. The port’s Vehicle Traffic Management System has been developed by a startup incubated at IIT Madras, showcasing the integration of indigenous innovation with large-scale infrastructure.
The delegation was facilitated by Mahesh Guptan, Head of Communications, Adani Vizhinjam Port, who coordinated the interaction and guided the journalists through various operational areas of the port. The delegation visited multiple departments, the container yard and also witnessed port operations being monitored and controlled through advanced remote systems, providing first-hand exposure to the port’s high level of automation and digital integration.
It was informed that the port has a planned handling capacity of 1.5 million containers per year and has so far handled around 740 vessels, including some of the largest container vessels in the world. The port also houses the largest breakwater wall in the country, a key engineering feature supporting safe and efficient operations.
With increasing automation, emphasis is being laid on upskilling and training personnel in advanced technologies to ensure ease of work, dignified employment and long-term career opportunities. The port also houses a dedicated training institute for capacity building, including initiatives focused on training local women and promoting organic farming practices.
At the onset of the meeting, Majid Pandit, Media & Communication Officer, PIB Srinagar, who is also the Conducting Officer for the tour to Kerala introduced the members of the press delegation.
The visit to Vizhinjam Port is part of a five-day media outreach programme by PIB Srinagar aimed at providing journalists with first-hand exposure to key national infrastructure projects, research institutions and government initiatives.
