Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal said that the development of major ports in the country has been completed. He was addressing the Stakeholders’ meeting at Vizhinjam lighthouse in Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala yesterday for promoting lighthouse tourism.
The Minister said that the leadership set up by our forefathers in the area of shipping and maritime development must be rejuvenated and brought back with the available resources and thus our country will become a global leader among the maritime nations. He further added that more lighthouses will be developed soon following international standards, as desired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, considering the tourism potential.
The Union Minister will participate tomorrow, in the official
welcome programme for the arrival of the first container ship ‘San Fernando” at Vizhinjan Port in Thiruvananthapuram. San Fernando’ which set sail from Xiamen Port in China, was welcomed with a water salute this morning. The landing of the ship is a significant milestone in Kerala’s ambitious economic infrastructure development initiative and the fulfilment of a long-awaited wish.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan along with State Ministers, dignitaries, officials, and representatives of the public will participate in the event. Thousands of people are expected to witness the historic event. In the upcoming days, the port is expected to witness the arrival of large vessels, solidifying Kerala’s place on the global transhipment port map.