Sarbananda Sonowal launches over ₹1,500 crore projects at VOC Port, boosting Green & Digital Maritime Infrastructure

TUTICORIN : Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Shri Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated and laid the foundation of projects worth more than ₹1,500 crore at V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOC Port), Tuticorin, marking a major expansion of infrastructure, renewable energy integration and digital modernisation at the port.

A key highlight of the event was the inauguration of the VOC Maritime Heritage Museum, an immersive institution dedicated to India’s maritime legacy and the contribution of freedom fighter V.O. Chidambaranar. The museum has been conceived as a cultural and educational landmark for southern Tamil Nadu and is expected to promote tourism, community engagement and awareness of the Coromandel Coast’s maritime history.

Shri Sonowal posted on X, “delighted to inaugurate and lay the foundation of projects worth more than ₹1,500 crore at VO Chidambaranar Port in Tuticorin. Led by Hon’ble PM Shri Modi ji’s vision, these projects will seamlessly integrate massive infra upgrades with advanced digital and safety platforms to future proof port operations. VOC Port is emerging as a crucial global maritime hub. Building upon recent milestones, such as the North Cargo Berth-III dedicated to the nation by PM Modi ji in July 2025, we are also accelerating work on the crucial Outer Harbour project. Once complete, it will equip the port to handle mega vessels, multiply trade volumes and establish a world-class logistics network bolstered by multimodal connectivity. This ongoing transformation is immensely important for both Tamil Nadu and the nation, as it will accelerate industrial growth and establish India as a global maritime powerhouse as we set sail towards an Aatmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat.”

Sonowal also inaugurated and laid foundation stones for projects spanning rail and road connectivity upgrades, power infrastructure enhancement, renewable energy integration — including solar, wind, battery storage and green hydrogen production — advanced safety systems and digital platforms.

“The projects reflect the government’s focus on port-led development under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji’s Maritime Vision 2047 and aim to strengthen VOC Port’s position as a green and technologically advanced maritime hub”, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal remarked.

Adding further, Sonowal said, “These landmark projects are a direct reflection of the dynamic and visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji. Under his guidance, India’s ports are being transformed into engines of growth, innovation and global competitiveness, driving our journey toward a self-reliant, green and technologically advanced maritime sector.”

The event builds on recent milestones at the port, including the commissioning of three new berths in the past 18 months. Among them is North Cargo Berth-III, dedicated by Prime Minister Modi in July 2025, which has expanded bulk cargo capacity. Work is also progressing on the Outer Harbour project, designed to handle larger vessels and increase trade volumes.

VOC Port has emerged as a leader in sustainable maritime operations and became the first Indian port to produce and use green hydrogen on-site. A pilot project has been operational since late 2025, with plans for commercial-scale development by 2029. Officials said integrated renewable initiatives, green methanol facilities and partnerships in e-ammonia and carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) are positioning the port as a future-ready green fuel bunkering center.

On the technology front, the port has deployed India’s first comprehensive Digital Twin platform for real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance and data-driven optimisation. An anti-drone system has also been installed to strengthen security of critical infrastructure.