Sarbananda Sonowal Presides Over Inauguration and Foundation-Laying of Projects Worth Over ₹1,500 Crore at VOC Port

The Hon’ble Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, today presided over a landmark inauguration and foundation-laying ceremony at V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOC Port), Tuticorin. The event marked the implementation of transformative projects valued at over ₹1,500 crore, reflecting the Government of India’s sustained emphasis on port-led development under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. It also underscored VOC Port’s swift rise as a green, digitally advanced, and capacity-driven maritime hub.

A key highlight of the occasion was the inauguration of the VOC Maritime Heritage Museum — a contemporary, immersive institution dedicated to preserving India’s rich maritime legacy and honouring the enduring contribution of freedom fighter V.O. Chidambaranar. A national icon not only for Tamil Nadu but for the entire country, his maritime vision and legacy continue to inspire generations. Conceived not merely as a port initiative but as a tribute to the wider Coromandel Coast, the museum is set to emerge as a significant cultural and educational landmark for southern Tamil Nadu. It will deepen public awareness of India’s maritime history, promote tourism, and strengthen community engagement across the region.

The Minister inaugurated and laid foundation stones for a broad array of initiatives encompassing upgraded rail and road connectivity, enhanced power infrastructure, renewable energy integration (including solar, wind, battery storage, and green hydrogen production), advanced safety systems, and cutting-edge digital platforms. These projects will markedly improve cargo evacuation efficiency, shorten vessel turnaround times, strengthen multimodal logistics, and elevate operational safety.

The ceremony built upon recent milestones, including the commissioning of three new berths over the past eighteen months—most notably North Cargo Berth-III, dedicated by the Prime Minister in July 2025—which has significantly boosted bulk cargo capacity. Steady progress continues on the Outer Harbour project, poised to enable handling of larger vessels and greater trade volumes.

VOC Port has emerged as a national pioneer in sustainable maritime operations, becoming the first Indian port to produce and utilise green hydrogen on-site. With the pilot operational since late 2025 and commercial-scale development advancing towards 2029, the port is firmly established as the country’s Green Hydrogen Hub. Integrated renewable initiatives, green methanol facilities, and partnerships in e-ammonia and CCUS position it as a future-ready green fuel bunkering centre, aligning with India’s net-zero goals and Maritime Vision 2047.

On the technology front, VOC Port leads with India’s first comprehensive Digital Twin platform, delivering real-time monitoring, AI-assisted analytics, predictive maintenance, and data-driven optimisation. An advanced Anti-Drone System further bolsters security of critical infrastructure. The port recently reinforced its digital leadership by hosting a high-level pre-event on AI in ports on 9 February 2026 in Tuticorin and presenting the landmark session “AI-Powered Ports: Reimagining Efficiency and Operations” at the IndiaAI Impact Summit on 17 February 2026.

Strong operational results underpin these advancements. From April 2025 to January 2026, cargo handling increased 6% to 35.97 million tonnes, including a record 4 million tonnes in January alone. Container volumes rose 9.40% to over 7.16 lakh TEUs, driven by process reforms, additional equipment, expanded storage, and active industry participation.

This marked the Minister’s fourth visit to VOC Port in the past two years, demonstrating continued high-level support for its accelerated growth.

The projects launched today will extend benefits far beyond the port, lowering logistics costs for trade, spurring industrial expansion—including shipbuilding and manufacturing—in Tuticorin, Tirunelveli, and Madurai districts, attracting investment, creating employment, and stimulating sectors such as renewable energy, logistics, and tourism. The Maritime Heritage Museum will further enrich the socio-economic fabric of southern Tamil Nadu.

With sustained focus on infrastructure, sustainability, digital innovation, and port-led industrialisation including shipbuilding, V.O. Chidambaranar Port is consolidating its status as a premier maritime gateway on India’s eastern seaboard and a national model for green, secure, and intelligent port development.

Hon’ble Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal stated: “These landmark projects reflect the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and our collective resolve to build a self-reliant, green and technologically advanced maritime sector. Under his guidance, India’s ports are being transformed into engines of growth and innovation

V.O.C. Port is undertaking transformative initiatives — from shipbuilding and the Outer Harbour Project to wide-ranging green measures — that will redefine the economic landscape of the entire region. These efforts will strengthen its position as a major transhipment hub, enabling it to compete with and, in time, surpass Colombo and other leading regional ports.

Together, these initiatives will drive inclusive economic growth, promote environmental sustainability, foster shipbuilding and allied industries, and firmly establish India as a global maritime powerhouse.”

Susanta Kumar Purohit, Chairperson, VOC Port Authority, added: “By prioritising world class infrastructure, cutting-edge digitisation, ambitious green innovation, and port-led industrialisation including shipbuilding, VOC Port is strengthening its pivotal role in regional prosperity and national development.”

The above details were furnished in a Press Release by V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority today.