Thiruvananthapuram: As part of the ongoing media tour organised by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Srinagar, media delegation from Srinagar visited the ICAR–Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Vizhinjam Regional Centre, Thursday to gain first-hand insight into marine fisheries research and advanced aquaculture technologies.
During the visit, the delegation interacted with Dr. B. Santhosh, Head, Vizhinjam Regional Centre, ICAR–CMFRI, who briefed the journalists on the mandate, research focus and ongoing scientific interventions of the institute in the marine fisheries sector. He highlighted CMFRI’s role in sustainable marine resource management, mariculture development and technology dissemination aimed at enhancing fish production, livelihoods and nutritional security.
The delegation was also guided by Dr. Rathi Bhuvaneswari, Senior Scientist, through the Sagarika Marine Research Aquarium, which showcases marine biodiversity and research-driven awareness initiatives. The team also was given a walkthrough of the Silver Pompano Broodbank, developed for quality seed production.
The team further visited the Breeding and Hatchery Complex of Giant Trevally and Silver Pompano, the Bivalve Hatchery, Microalgal Photobioreactor, and the Live Feed Copepod Unit, where detailed explanations were provided on scientific breeding, larval rearing, live feed production and innovative technologies supporting marine aquaculture and coastal livelihoods.
The interactions and facility visits provided the media delegation with comprehensive exposure to CMFRI’s efforts in advancing climate-resilient, sustainable and technology-driven fisheries and mariculture practices.
The visit to ICAR–CMFRI, Vizhinjam, forms part of a five-day media outreach programme organised by PIB Srinagar to familiarise journalists from Jammu and Kashmir with key national research institutions, infrastructure projects and development initiatives in Kerala. The delegation is being led by Shri Majid Pandit, Media & Communication Officer, PIB Srinagar, who is the Conducting Officer for the programme.
Meanwhile the press delegation also visited the Vizhinjam International Transshipment Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport in Kerala, a strategic maritime infrastructure project developed by Adani Ports. 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 transhipment 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. Shri 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.