Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurates Rs 187 crore projects combined at Chennai and Kamarajar Ports

CHENNAI : Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, on Monday inaugurated a series of projects at the Chennai Port Authority and Kamarajar Port Limited from Chennai.
These initiatives, launched with a combined investment of Rs 187.33 crores, are set to strengthen port infrastructure, streamline trade operations, and advance India’s green port initiatives.

The Minister inaugurated several high-impact projects, starting with the construction of four new EXIM godowns at Chennai Port, with a project cost of Rs. 73.91 Crores. Covering an area of 18,000 sq. meters, these godowns will provide essential storage for sensitive cargo, including agricultural products and food grains, which require dedicated, clean, and covered storage solutions. This project, fully funded under the Sagarmala scheme, is aligned with India’s goal of expanding its trade capacity at major ports to meet growing demand. In addition to the godowns, the Minister dedicated the newly constructed concrete coastal road, which extends 350 meters in length and 12 meters in width. This road, developed at a cost of Rs. 4 Crores, facilitates smoother transport of heavy cargo and container movement to the Second Container Terminal (CITPL) at Chennai Port. The new road enhances access, reduces dust pollution, and promotes environmental compliance, marking a significant improvement in port infrastructure.

During his address, Sonowal underscored his Ministry’s commitment to modernizing ports and enhancing maritime connectivity, emphasizing the role of these projects in positioning India as a key player in global trade.

In addition to inaugurating the new storage facilities, the Minister also dedicated a newly constructed concrete coastal road designed to improve the transport of heavy cargo and containers to the Second Container Terminal (CITPL) at Chennai Port. This vital road infrastructure is expected to enhance logistical efficiency and support the port’s growing capacity.

Further strengthening transport connectivity, Minister Sonowal inaugurated the doubling of the Southern Railway connectivity at Kamarajar Port. This project, developed at an investment of Rs. 88.91 crore, aims to streamline freight movement and bolster the port’s role as a major trade hub.

This expansion adds 2.65 km of railway line to accommodate the growing demands of EXIM trade. Key developments include the construction of three new rail bridges over the Kosasthalai River and Buckingham Canal, along with the conversion of unmanned level crossings to interlocked crossings. This project is set to double the port’s rail handling capacity from 22 to 44 rakes per day, significantly enhancing the speed and safety of cargo movement within the port, according to the ministry.

The Minister also inaugurated a Shore Power Supply Facility for coal vessels at Kamarajar Port, built at an investment of Rs. 20.51 crore. This facility aims to support sustainable port operations by reducing emissions from docked vessels.

“We are establishing a foundation for seamless operations and sustainable practices, positioning our ports to meet the dynamic demands of global trade while upholding our commitment to environmental objectives,” the Minister stated.