Union Govt Launches Rs 235 Crore Port Projects In Tamil Nadu

(MENAFN- KNN India) Chennai, Jan 9 (KNN) The Union Government has rolled out port infrastructure and digital governance projects worth Rs 235 crore at Chennai Port Authority and Kamarajar Port Limited, reinforcing Tamil Nadu's role in India's maritime-led growth strategy.

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated and laid foundation stones for the projects during the“Viksit Bharat, Viksit Ports” programme in Chennai.

Of the total outlay, Rs 129.36 crore has been allocated for projects at Chennai Port Authority, while Rs 105.64 crore pertains to initiatives at Kamarajar Port.

The projects are aimed at strengthening port resilience, enhancing safety, improving logistics efficiency and advancing ease of doing business through digital integration.

At Chennai Port, the Minister laid foundation stones for three key infrastructure projects. These include the repair and strengthening of around 850 metres of coastal revetment behind the Coastal Berth using climate-resilient designs, with an investment of Rs 33.28 crore.

A new firefighting pump house will be constructed at the Oil Dock Area at a cost of Rs 43 crore to meet Oil Industry Safety Directorate (OISD) norms and protect critical energy infrastructure.

In addition, the Chennai Port Hospital will be modernised at a cost of Rs 8.08 crore to upgrade medical facilities while ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services for port employees and stakeholders.

The Minister also inaugurated the Enterprise Business System (EBS), a SAP-based integrated digital platform developed at a cost of Rs 45 crore.

The system integrates finance, operations, human resources, asset management, procurement and customer services on a single digital backbone, and is expected to improve transparency, regulatory compliance and operational efficiency, thereby enhancing ease of doing business.

At Kamarajar Port Limited, foundation stones were laid for a new boundary wall along the north-western side connecting the Northern Port Access Road, with an investment of Rs 1.39 crore to improve access control and logistics management.

The Minister also inaugurated the rehabilitated Northern Breakwater Head, upgraded at a cost of Rs 105 crore following cyclone-related damage.

The rehabilitation work covers 202 metres and includes the placement of over 3,000 new tetrapods to strengthen navigational safety and ensure uninterrupted port operations.

Addressing the gathering, Sonowal said the projects reflect the Centre's commitment to building globally competitive, climate-resilient and digitally enabled ports.

He noted that sustained investments and reforms under initiatives such as Sagarmala are positioning Indian ports as key drivers of economic growth, trade facilitation and national self-reliance.

As part of a nationwide trade facilitation initiative under the One Nation–One Port Process, the Minister also launched the e-port clearance portal.

The event was attended by senior officials and stakeholders from the maritime sector, including representatives from Chennai Port Authority, Kamarajar Port Limited and the India Maritime University, along with port users, professionals and students.

(KNN Bureau)

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