In order to significantly improve operations at the Chennai and Kamarajar ports, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal officially opened infrastructural projects valued at Rs 187.33 crore.
According to the minister, these new rail, road, and warehouse projects will improve India’s green port initiatives, expedite trade, and fortify port infrastructure.
Four recently built EXIM godowns at Chennai Port, which cost Rs 73.91 crore to construct, are among the high-impact projects. These godowns, which span 18,000 square meters, will offer crucial storage for delicate goods like food grains and agricultural products, which call for specialized, hygienic, and covered storage options.
India’s objective of increasing its trading capacity at key ports to satisfy rising demand is in line with this project, which is completely supported under the Sagarmala initiative.
The newly built concrete beach road, which is 350 meters long and 12 meters wide, was also dedicated by the minister. Developed at a cost of Rs 4 crore, this route makes it easier to convey containers and heavy freight to Chennai Port’s Second Container Terminal. The new road represents a major advancement in port infrastructure since it improves access, lowers dust pollution, and encourages environmental compliance.
With a total investment of Rs 88.91 crore, Sonowal opened the Southern Railway Connectivity Project at Kamarajar Port Limited (KPL). KPL is situated in Tamil Nadu, roughly 20 kilometers north of Chennai Port. It is India’s first publicly traded company and the country’s 12th largest port. To meet the increasing demands of EXIM commerce, a 2.65 km railway line is added. It involves converting unmanned level crossings to interlocking crossings and building three new rail bridges across the Buckingham Canal and Kosasthalai River. Through this project, the port’s rail handling capacity will be greatly increased from 22 to 44 rakes per day, enabling safer and quicker cargo movement inside the port.
Additionally, the minister opened a Rs 20.51 crore Shore Power Supply Facility for coal tankers at KPL. By providing shore power at berths CB1 and CB2, the facility complies with India’s Green Port Guidelines, lowering emissions and enabling ships to run without the need for diesel engines, promoting a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly operating environment.
In order to establish India as a major player in international trade, Sonowal emphasized the ministry’s dedication to modernizing ports and improving maritime connectivity.
