PM Modi’s Kerala Visit Amid Bomb Threat Scare
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Thiruvananthapuram on May 1 for a high-profile two-day visit to Kerala, which comes under the shadow of multiple bomb threat alerts. His visit primarily focuses on the inauguration of the Vizhinjam International Seaport, a landmark infrastructure project in the state aimed at boosting India’s maritime capabilities.
The Prime Minister was received at the airport by Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. He is scheduled to stay at Raj Bhavan during his visit and will travel to Vizhinjam by helicopter on May 2 to inspect the port facilities ahead of the formal inauguration.
The Vizhinjam Port project, which began trial operations in July 2024 and launched full commercial activity by December, is India’s first semi-automated transshipment port. It represents a key step in expanding India’s port infrastructure and enhancing its global trade footprint.
Vizhinjam Port Inauguration
With a handling capacity of over 5.48 lakh TEUs and the ability to dock 265 ships, the Vizhinjam International Seaport is expected to place Kerala on the global logistics map. The state leadership has hailed the project as a major achievement, both economically and strategically.
The inauguration ceremony, set to commence at 11:00 AM on May 2, includes a detailed inspection of the port’s operations and control centers. The event will be attended by key Union Ministers and senior state officials, underlining its national significance.
Bomb Threats in Kerala
In the run-up to the Prime Minister’s visit, Kerala witnessed a wave of bomb threats via email targeting sensitive locations such as the Chief Minister’s Office, Raj Bhavan, Secretariat, and the Vizhinjam port area. These threats, although unverified, have prompted a major security overhaul in Thiruvananthapuram.
Security checks were conducted at multiple sites, including the City Corporation, Vanchiyoor Court complex, and the UAE Consulate Office. So far, no explosives have been found, but the threats have led to increased deployment of personnel from the Kerala Police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and the Special Protection Group (SPG).
Cyber units are currently investigating the source of the emails, suspecting them to be hoaxes, but authorities are not taking any chances. Security remains on high alert with additional surveillance and access restrictions in place.
Despite the tension, all preparations for the Vizhinjam port inauguration are proceeding as scheduled. The Prime Minister’s itinerary remains unchanged, with security agencies working in coordination to ensure a smooth and safe visit.
