CHENNAI : The Chennai Port Authority has outlined a major infrastructure push at Kamarajar Port with a 2027 timeline for the second container terminal development. The 25-year-old port now has a cargo handling capacity of 58.44 million metric tonnes (mn t) and nine operational berths, according to CPA data. The port recorded its highest-ever throughput of 48.41 mn t in fiscal 2024-25, underscoring growing traffic. Officials said the expansion forms part of a broader plan to strengthen Chennai’s maritime logistics…
Kamarajar Port Limited (KPL) has set 2027 as the timeline for commencing construction of its proposed second container terminal, marking a major step in expanding container handling capacity and strengthening the port’s position as a key gateway on India’s east coast.
The proposed project, estimated at around ₹4,300 crore, is being developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model on a Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) basis. The expansion is expected to significantly enhance the port’s infrastructure and accommodate growing container traffic in the region.
According to the project roadmap, the bid proposal has been submitted for approval to the Public Private Partnership Appraisal Committee (PPPAC) of the Government of India. Following the expected approval, the port plans to issue tender documents in August 2026, award the concession by February 2027, and commence construction around August 2027.
The second container terminal will be developed in two phases. The first berth is targeted to become operational in 2029, while the second berth is planned for completion approximately two years later. Once fully operational, the new facility is expected to substantially increase the port’s container handling capacity and improve vessel turnaround efficiency.
At present, Kamarajar Port’s existing common-user container terminal can accommodate only one mother vessel at a time. The new terminal will initially enable the simultaneous handling of two mother vessels and, upon completion of both berths, increase this capacity to four, significantly improving operational flexibility and reducing congestion.
The expansion comes as Kamarajar Port continues to witness strong cargo growth. The port currently has a cargo handling capacity of 58.44 million metric tonnes (MMT) across nine operational berths and recorded its highest-ever cargo throughput of 48.41 MMT during FY 2024-25.
In parallel with the container terminal project, the port is also advancing plans to develop two new bulk cargo berths under the PPP model to cater to rising volumes of commodities such as coal, limestone, gypsum and barytes. Each berth will measure 425 metres in length and 30 metres in width and will be capable of handling Capesize bulk carriers of up to 180,000 deadweight tonnes (DWT).
The combined investments in container and bulk cargo infrastructure are expected to enhance Kamarajar Port’s competitiveness, improve logistics efficiency, and support industrial and trade growth across southern India.
