The Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, has launched a series of port infrastructure and digital governance projects valued at ₹235 crore at Chennai Port Authority and Kamarajar Port Limited, reinforcing efforts to strengthen maritime capacity in Tamil Nadu and advance India’s port-led development agenda.
The projects were announced during the “Viksit Bharat, Viksit Ports” programme in Chennai. Addressing the event, the Minister said the initiatives reflect the Centre’s focus on developing globally competitive, climate-resilient and technology-enabled ports, while improving ease of doing business, safety and operational efficiency.
Of the total investment, ₹129.36 crore has been allocated to projects at Chennai Port Authority, while ₹105.64 crore is earmarked for initiatives at Kamarajar Port Limited.
At Chennai Port Authority, the Minister laid foundation stones for three key projects aimed at enhancing resilience, safety and public services. These include the repair and strengthening of the coastal revetment behind the Coastal Berth over a stretch of around 850 metres, designed with climate-resilient features at a cost of ₹33.28 crore. A new firefighting pump house at the Oil Dock Area, built to comply with Oil Industry Safety Directorate (OISD) norms, will be developed at an investment of ₹43 crore, creating dedicated high-capacity fire protection infrastructure for critical energy assets. In addition, the modernisation of Chennai Port Hospital, involving upgrades to wards, operation theatres, diagnostic facilities and support services, will be undertaken at a cost of ₹8.08 crore.
Sonowal also inaugurated the Enterprise Business System (EBS) at Chennai Port Authority. The SAP-based integrated digital platform, developed at an investment of ₹45 crore, brings finance, port operations, human resources, asset management, procurement and customer services onto a single digital backbone. The system is expected to improve transparency, regulatory compliance and operational efficiency, while significantly enhancing ease of doing business.
At Kamarajar Port Limited, the Minister laid the foundation stone for the construction of a new boundary wall along the north-west side, connecting the Northern Port Access Road (NPAR), at a cost of ₹1.39 crore, aimed at improving access control and logistics efficiency. He also inaugurated the rehabilitated Northern Breakwater Head, developed at an investment of ₹105 crore, to restore and strengthen navigational safety following cyclone-related damage. The rehabilitation work covers 202 metres and includes the placement of 3,035 new 25-tonne tetrapods, replacing structures damaged during Cyclones Thane and Nilam.
As part of a nationwide trade facilitation initiative aligned with the One Nation–One Port Process (ONOP), the Union Minister also launched the e-Port Clearance portal. The digital platform enables online submission and issuance of Port Clearance Certificates, including advance clearances, with the objective of reducing vessel turnaround time, improving transparency and enhancing predictability in port operations. Through the portal, shipping lines and steamer agents can submit applications and download clearance certificates using a secure online login.
During the event, Sonowal also handed over a ₹18 lakh cheque to the Royal Madras Yacht Club (RMYC) to support sailing training for 20 students from Chennai Port School.
Highlighting the broader significance of the initiatives, the Minister said the combined investments would further strengthen Tamil Nadu’s position as a key maritime hub and reinforce India’s role in global supply chains. He noted that sustained investments and reforms under the Sagarmala programme are transforming Indian ports into globally benchmarked logistics hubs that support economic growth, employment generation and national development.