CHENNAI: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated Coal Berth–3 at Kamarajar Port and laid the foundation stone for the modernisation of General Cargo Berth–1, with the two projects involving a combined investment of Rs 482 crore. PM Modi said, “today, the port infrastructure across the country is also being bolstered so that the shipping sector can scale new heights.”
Built at a cost of Rs 261.05 crore, Coal Berth–3 has an annual handling capacity of 9 million tonnes and will be operated by Tamil Nadu Power Generation Corporation (TNPGCL) to meet its captive coal requirements.
The facility is designed to handle Capesize vessels, with a maximum draft of 18 metres, enabling larger coal shipments to reach the port.The berth is equipped with two ship unloaders, each capable of handling 2,000 tonnes of coal per hour.
A conveyor system with a capacity of 4,000 tonnes per hour will transport the coal directly to the North Chennai thermal power plants, supporting fuel movement for electricity generation. The modernisation is intended to speed up cargo handling, increase throughput and accommodate a wider range of commodities. It is also expected to reduce vessel turnaround time and improve the port’s operational efficiency.
