Prelims 2026 · Economy · Question 24
In what way(s) does the Vizhinjam International Seaport represent a structural shift in India's maritime trade and logistics policy?<br/><br/>1. By functioning exclusively as a domestic cargo hub to reduce reliance on coastal shipping and eliminate the need for foreign collaborations.<br/>2. By focusing primarily on passenger cruise tourism and heritage shipping to increase Kerala's profile as a maritime heritage destination.<br/>3. By leveraging its natural deep draft and strategic location to reduce dependence on foreign trans-shipment ports, enhance revenue retention, and reposition India in regional maritime trade.<br/><br/>Select the answer using the code given below:<br/>
Answer
3 only
Only statement 3 is correct. Vizhinjam is designed as a deep-draft container transshipment port near a major international sea lane, meant to reduce dependence on foreign transshipment hubs, improve logistics efficiency, retain revenue, and strengthen India’s role in regional maritime trade. Statements 1 and 2 misstate both its purpose and policy significance.