The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways inaugurated various infrastructure projects at the Chennai Port Authority and Kamarajar Port Limited (KPL) on November 4, 2024. Launched with a combined investment of Rs 1.87 billion, these initiatives are set to strengthen port infrastructure, streamline trade operations, and advance India’s green port initiatives.
The projects include:
- The construction of four new export-import (EXIM) godowns at Chennai Port, with a project cost of Rs 739.1 million. Covering an area of 18,000 square meters, these godowns will provide essential storage for sensitive cargo, including agricultural products and food grains, which require dedicated, clean, and covered storage solutions. This project, fully funded under the Sagarmala scheme, is aligned with India’s goal of expanding its trade capacity at major ports to meet growing demand.
- The concrete coastal road, which extends 350 metres in length and 12 meters in width. This road, developed at a cost of Rs 40 million, facilitates smoother transport of heavy cargo and container movement to the second container terminal (CITPL) at Chennai Port.
- Doubling of southern railway connectivity at KPL, with an investment of Rs 889.1 million. This expansion adds 2.65 km of railway line to accommodate growing EXIM trade demands.
- A shore power supply facility for coal vessels at KPL, established at a cost of Rs 205.1 million.