Q. In what way(s) does the Vizhinjam International Seaport represent a structural shift in India's maritime trade and logistics policy?
1. By functioning exclusively as a domestic cargo hub to reduce reliance on coastal shipping and eliminate the need for foreign collaborations.
2. By focusing primarily on passenger cruise tourism and heritage shipping to increase Kerala's profile as a maritime heritage destination.
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.
Select the answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 3 only

Answer : D

Explanation:

Statement I is not correct: Vizhinjam is not an exclusive domestic cargo hub. It is India's first deep-water international container transshipment port, developed under a PPP model with Adani Group as the private partner. Foreign collaboration is a core feature.
Statement II is not correct: Vizhinjam is designed primarily for container transshipment and multipurpose/break-bulk cargo, not passenger cruise tourism or heritage shipping.
Statement III is correct: The port leverages 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.

Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=154398&ModuleId=3®=3&lang=2