These include port infrastructure and digital governance projects at Chennai Port Authority and nearby Kamarajar Port Ltd.
The Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, has unveiled port infrastructure and digital governance projects worth ₹2.35 billion at Chennai Port Authority and Kamarajar Port Ltd in Chennai.
Sonowal said the projects reinforce the Centre’s commitment to building globally competitive, climate-resilient and digitally enabled ports, while improving ease of doing business and coastal safety. “We are modernising ports, strengthening coastal resilience, digitising operations and expanding trade facilitation so that Indian ports emerge as engines of growth, national self-reliance and global competitiveness,” he said.
Of the total outlay, ₹1.294 billion has been allocated to Chennai Port Authority and ₹1.056 billion to Kamarajar Port Ltd. At Chennai Port Authority, Sonowal laid foundation stones for three projects focused on resilience, safety and public service delivery. These include the repair and strengthening of the coastal revetment behind the coastal berth over 850 metres using climate-resilient designs at a cost of ₹332.8 million, the construction of a new firefighting pump house at the Oil Dock Area to meet Oil Industry Safety Directorate (OISD) safety norms with an investment of ₹430 million, and the modernisation of Chennai Port Hospital with an investment of ₹80.8 million aimed at upgrading wards, operation theatres, diagnostics and support services.
He also inaugurated the Enterprise Business System (EBS), a SAP-based integrated digital platform developed at a cost of ₹450 million, which integrates finance, port operations, human resources, assets, procurement and customer services to enhance transparency, compliance and operational efficiency.
Kamarajar Port Upgrades
At Kamarajar Port Ltd, Sonowal laid the foundation stone for a new boundary wall at the north-west boundary connecting the Northern Port Access Road (NPAR) at a cost of ₹13.9 million, improving access control and logistics efficiency. He also inaugurated the rehabilitated Northern Breakwater Head at an investment of ₹1.05 billion. Strengthened after cyclone damage, the project ensures navigational safety and uninterrupted port operations, reinforcing the port’s role in India’s eastern maritime corridor. The rehabilitation covers 202 metres with 3,035 new 25 metric tonne tetrapods, replacing structures damaged during cyclones Thane and Nilam.
In a nationwide trade facilitation move aligned with the One Nation-One Port Process (ONOP), Sonowal launched the e-port clearance portal, enabling online submission and issuance of Port Clearance Certificates, including advance clearances. The initiative aims to cut turnaround time, enhance transparency and improve predictability for maritime operations across India. The minister also handed over a cheque of ₹1.8 million to the Royal Madras Yacht Club (RMYC) for sailing training of 20 students from Chennai Port School.
Sonowal said the combined investments will elevate Tamil Nadu’s position as a maritime powerhouse and strengthen India’s standing in global supply chains. “Sustained investments and reforms under Sagarmala are turning India’s ports into globally benchmarked hubs that support growth, jobs and national pride,” he added.