The Centre has rolled out port infrastructure and digital governance projects worth 235 crore rupees in Tamil Nadu, aimed at strengthening the state’s maritime capacity and advancing India’s maritime-led growth strategy.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal launched the projects while addressing the “Viksit Bharat, Viksit Ports” programme in Chennai yesterday. He said the initiatives reflect the Centre’s focus on building climate-resilient, digitally enabled and globally competitive ports, while improving safety and ease of doing business.
Mr Sonowal said the reforms align with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has prioritised port modernisation, coastal resilience and trade facilitation as part of the broader goals of Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Of the total outlay, 129.36 crore rupees has been earmarked for projects at Chennai Port Authority, while 105.64 crore rupees is allocated for initiatives at Kamarajar Port Limited.
At Chennai Port, the minister laid foundation stones for three projects focused on resilience, safety and public service delivery. These include repair and strengthening of the coastal revetment behind the Coastal Berth over an 850-metre stretch using climate-resilient designs, construction of a new firefighting pump house at the Oil Dock Area to meet OISD (Oil Industry Safety Directorate) safety norms, and modernisation of the Chennai Port Hospital to upgrade medical facilities.
At Kamarajar Port, the Union Minister laid the foundation stone for a new boundary wall connecting the Northern Port Access Road, aimed at improving access control and logistics efficiency.
As part of a nationwide trade facilitation initiative under the One Nation-One Port Process, Mr Sonowal launched the e-port clearance portal, enabling online submission and issuance of Port Clearance Certificates, including advance clearances. The portal is expected to reduce turnaround time and improve predictability for maritime operations across the country.
