India Launches INR 235-Crore Port Projects In Tamil Nadu To Boost Maritime Growth

The Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal rolled out port infrastructure and digital governance projects worth ₹235 Crs at Chennai Port Authority and Kamarajar Port Limited, marking a major step to strengthen Tamil Nadu’s maritime capacity & advance India’s maritime-led growth agenda.

Addressing the “Viksit Bharat, Viksit Ports” programme in Chennai, Sarbananda Sonowal said the projects underscore the Centre’s commitment to building globally competitive, climate-resilient and digitally enabled ports, while improving ease of doing business (EODB) and coastal safety.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji provides the vision and leadership that drive India’s maritime transformation,” Sarbananda Sonowal said. “Modiji’s clear focus on Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat guides every reform we undertake. We are modernising ports, strengthening coastal resilience, digitising operations & expanding trade facilitation so that Indian ports emerge as engines of growth, national self-reliance and global competitiveness.”

Of the total outlay, ₹129.36 crore covers projects at Chennai Port Authority and ₹105.64 crore supports initiatives at Kamarajar Port Limited.

For Chennai Port Authority, the Union Minister laid foundation stones for three projects focused on resilience, safety and public service delivery. The projects include repair and strengthening of the coastal revetment behind the Coastal Berth over about 850 metres using climate-resilient designs at a cost of ₹33.28 Crores.

The Minister also laid foundation stone for construction of a new firefighting pump house at the Oil Dock Area to meet OISD safety norms with an investment of ₹43 Crores. This will establish a dedicated high-capacity firefighting infrastructure fully compliant with safety norms for protection of critical energy-security assets.

Another foundation stone was laid for modernisation of Chennai Port Hospital with an investment of ₹8.08 Crores aimed at upgrading wards, operation theatres, diagnostics and support services while ensuring uninterrupted medical care.

Sonowal also inaugurated the Enterprise Business System (EBS), a SAP-based integrated digital platform that brings finance, port operations, human resources, assets, procurement and customer services onto a single backbone. The system, developed at a cost of ₹45 Crore, is expected to enhance transparency, compliance and operational efficiency, significantly improving ease of doing business.

For Kamarajar Port Limited, the minister laid the foundation stone for a new boundary wall at the north-west boundary connecting the Northern Port Access Road (NPAR) at a cost of ₹1.39 Crores, improving access control and logistics efficiency.

The Union Minister also inaugurated the rehabilitated Northern Breakwater Head at an investment of ₹105 crores, strengthened after cyclone damage to ensure navigational safety and uninterrupted port operations, reinforcing the port’s role in India’s eastern maritime corridor. The rehabilitation covers 202 m with 3035 new 25MT tetrapods. This area was earlier damaged during cyclones Thane and Nilam.

Speaking on the significance of their role in India’s maritime sector, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said, “These projects are part of a larger, integrated push to position India among the world’s leading maritime nations. By modernising ports, strengthening resilience, digitising operations and improving ease of doing business, we are building the maritime backbone required to transform the Indian economy and propel it toward Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji’s vision of a Viksit Bharat.”

In a nationwide trade-facilitation move aligned with the One Nation–One Port Process (ONOP), Sonowal also launched the e-port clearance portal, enabling online submission and issuance of Port Clearance Certificates, including advance clearances. The initiative aims to cut turnaround time, enhance transparency and improve predictability for maritime operations across India.

The portal will enable Shipping Lines/Steamer Agents to submit applications online and download the Port Clearance Certificate through their user login—strengthening transparency, speed and predictability for maritime operations. The Union Minister also handed over Rs. 18 Lakhs Cheque to Royal Madras Yacht Club (RMYC) for Sailing training of 20 students from Chennai Port School.

Sonowal said the combined investments will elevate Tamil Nadu’s position as a maritime powerhouse and strengthen India’s standing in global supply chains. “Sustained investments and reforms under Sagarmala are turning India’s ports into globally benchmarked hubs that support growth, jobs and national pride,” Sonowal said.

The programme also echoed the national spirit of “Vande Mataram @150,” marking the 150th year of the iconic song and reaffirming collective resolve to build a stronger, self-reliant India.

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal visited the Swabodhini School & Vocational Centre for Special Children at Tondiarpetin the city, interacting with students, parents and faculty while reaffirming the Modi Govt’s commitment to inclusive development.

Sonowal reviewed Swabodhini’s integrated model combining special education with occupational, speech and sensory therapies, physiotherapy, sports, yoga and vocational training, including skill-building in printing, candle and soap making and computer education. Sonowal was briefed on measurable outcomes, including improved mobility, communication skills and successful placements. The minister also planted a sapling under the “Ek-Ped-Maa-Ke-Naam” campaign, reinforcing sustainability values.

The event was also attended by Dr Malini V Shankar, Vice Chancellor, India Maritime University (IMU), S Viswanathan, Chairperson, Chennai Port Authority, JP Irene Cynthia, Managing Director, Kamarajar Port Limited among other dignitaries. More than 450 participants comprising Port Stakeholders, Maritime Professional, Indian Maritime University Students, and Officials also attended.

Press Release

Source: Maritime Shipping News