Chennai: Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, visited Chennai today to inaugurate a series of significant infrastructure projects at the Chennai Port Authority (ChPA) and Kamarajar Port Limited (KPL). These projects, with a total investment of Rs. 187.33 crore, aim to bolster port infrastructure, streamline trade operations, and promote India’s green port initiatives.
Speaking at the event, Minister Sonowal highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to modernizing port facilities and improving maritime connectivity to strengthen India’s position in global trade. “These projects are a testament to our commitment to strengthening India’s maritime infrastructure and our unwavering focus on sustainability. We are laying the groundwork for seamless operations and green practices, preparing our ports to meet the evolving demands of global trade while ensuring they align with environmental goals,” he stated.
Among the newly inaugurated projects, the construction of four new EXIM godowns at Chennai Port, costing Rs. 73.91 crore and spanning 18,000 sq. meters, was a major highlight. These godowns are designed to provide clean, covered storage for sensitive cargo, such as agricultural products and food grains, ensuring enhanced trade capacity at major ports under the Sagarmala scheme.
The Minister also dedicated a newly constructed 350-meter-long, 12-meter-wide concrete coastal road at Chennai Port, developed at a cost of Rs. 4 crore. This road facilitates smoother transport of heavy cargo to the Second Container Terminal (CITPL) and reduces dust pollution, marking a substantial improvement in port logistics.
At KPL, Sonowal inaugurated the Doubling of Southern Railway Connectivity, a project costing Rs. 88.91 crore. This expansion includes a 2.65 km railway line, construction of three new rail bridges over the Kosasthalai River and Buckingham canal, and the conversion of unmanned crossings to interlocked crossings. The project will double the port’s rail handling capacity from 22 to 44 rakes per day, enhancing efficiency and safety.
Further promoting eco-friendly initiatives, the Minister launched a Shore Power Supply Facility for coal vessels at KPL, built at a cost of Rs. 20.51 crore. This facility, aligned with India’s Green Port Guidelines, reduces emissions by enabling coal vessels to utilize shore power instead of diesel engines while docked.
The event concluded with the presentation of the IAPH Sustainability Award report to the Minister, recognizing KPL’s exemplary CSR work in 2022-23. In addition, Minister Sonowal inaugurated the renaming of ‘Clive Battery Quarters’ to ‘Ramanujan Quarters’ under the Panch Pran initiative, reflecting the Ministry’s emphasis on heritage and inclusive development.