Sonowal Inaugurates Rs 1,500 Crore Projects At VOC Port In Tamil Nadu

New Delhi, Feb 24 (KNN) Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated and laid the foundation for projects valued at over Rs 1,500 crore at V.O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, marking a significant expansion of infrastructure, renewable energy integration and digital modernisation at the port.

A key highlight of the event was the inauguration of the VOC Maritime Heritage Museum, dedicated to India’s maritime legacy and the contributions of freedom fighter V.O. Chidambaranar. 

The Minister also inaugurated and laid foundation stones for multiple projects covering rail and road connectivity upgrades, power infrastructure strengthening, renewable energy initiatives including solar, wind, battery storage and green hydrogen production as well as advanced safety systems and digital platforms. 

He said the projects align with the government’s Maritime Vision 2047 and are intended to position VOC Port as a green and technologically advanced maritime hub.

Among ongoing developments is the Outer Harbour project, designed to accommodate larger vessels and enhance trade capacity. In the past 18 months, three new berths have been commissioned, including North Cargo Berth-III, dedicated in July 2025, which expanded bulk cargo handling capacity.

VOC Port has also advanced sustainability initiatives, becoming the first Indian port to produce and utilise green hydrogen on-site through a pilot project operational since late 2025. Plans are underway for commercial-scale development by 2029. 

Officials indicated that renewable energy integration, green methanol initiatives and partnerships in e-ammonia and carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) are being pursued to develop the port as a green fuel bunkering centre.

On the digital front, the port has deployed what has been described as India’s first comprehensive Digital Twin platform to enable real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance and operational optimisation. An anti-drone system has also been installed to enhance infrastructure security.

According to official data, operational performance has improved alongside infrastructure expansion. Between April 2025 and January 2026, cargo handling increased 6 per cent to 35.97 million tonnes, including a record 4 million tonnes in January. 

Container volumes rose 9.4 per cent to over 716,000 TEUs, supported by process reforms, additional equipment and expanded storage capacity.

Officials said the projects are expected to reduce logistics costs, stimulate industrial growth in the Tuticorin, Tirunelveli and Madurai districts, attract investment and generate employment. 

The Maritime Heritage Museum is also projected to contribute to regional socio-economic development.

With continued investment in infrastructure, sustainability and digital systems, VOC Port is positioning itself as a key maritime gateway on India’s eastern seaboard and a model for green and secure port development.

(KNN Bureau)