On September 16, 2024, the union minister of ports, shipping and waterways inaugurated the Tuticorin International Container Terminal at the V.O. Chidambaranar (V.O.C.) Port in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu. Operated by JM Baxi Group, the terminal has a draft of 14.20 meter, an overall length of 370 meter, and spans 10 hectares, including the berth and backup area. It is equipped to handle 6 twenty-foot equivalent units of containers, significantly bolstering the port’s cargo handling capacity.
The union minister also inaugurated various other projects including the upgradation of 22 kV circuit breaker panels at the red gate and oil jetty control rooms, commissioning of 24 high mast lights, and a drone surveillance system to enhance port safety.
Besides, the foundation stone was laid for the green hydrogen demonstration project, a 400-kW rooftop solar power plant, and the link conveyor system from coal jetty I to the coal stockyard. Additionally, projects like the de-addiction centre and awareness artwork at Muthiapuram bridge were launched under the port’s corporate social responsibility initiatives.