The Centre on Thursday rolled out port infrastructure and digital governance projects worth ₹235 crore at Chennai Port Authority and Kamarajar Port Limited, reinforcing Tamil Nadu’s maritime capacity and advancing India’s maritime-led growth agenda.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal launched the projects while addressing the “Viksit Bharat, Viksit Ports” programme in Chennai. He said the initiatives reflect the Centre’s focus on developing climate-resilient, digitally enabled and globally competitive ports, while enhancing safety standards and ease of doing business.
The minister said the reforms align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of port modernisation, coastal resilience and trade facilitation as part of the broader goals of Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Of the total investment, ₹129.36 crore has been allocated to Chennai Port Authority, while ₹105.64 crore is earmarked for Kamarajar Port Limited.
At Chennai Port, Sonowal laid foundation stones for three key projects aimed at resilience, safety and public service delivery. These include the repair and strengthening of the coastal revetment behind the Coastal Berth across an 850-metre stretch using climate-resilient designs, construction of a new firefighting pump house at the Oil Dock Area in compliance with OISD safety norms, and modernisation of the Chennai Port Hospital to upgrade medical facilities.
The minister also inaugurated the Enterprise Business System (EBS), a ₹45-crore SAP-based integrated digital platform that brings finance, operations, human resources, assets, procurement and customer services onto a single digital backbone. The system is expected to improve transparency, compliance and operational efficiency, significantly enhancing ease of doing business at the port.
At Kamarajar Port, Sonowal laid the foundation stone for a new boundary wall connecting the Northern Port Access Road to improve access control and logistics efficiency. He also inaugurated the rehabilitated Northern Breakwater Head, strengthened to ensure navigational safety and uninterrupted operations following cyclone damage. The 202-metre rehabilitation project involved the placement of over 3,000 tetrapods and addresses damage caused by cyclones Thane and Nilam.
As part of the nationwide One Nation–One Port Process initiative, the minister launched the e-port clearance portal, enabling online submission and issuance of Port Clearance Certificates, including advance clearances. The digital platform is expected to reduce vessel turnaround time and improve predictability for maritime operations across the country.
Sonowal also flagged off the India International Regatta 2026, describing it as a step towards encouraging youth participation in maritime sports. He handed over a ₹18 lakh cheque to the Royal Madras Yacht Club to support sailing training for students of Chennai Port School.
Later, the minister visited the Swabodhini School and Vocational Centre for Special Children at Tondiarpet, where he interacted with students, parents and faculty. He reviewed the institution’s integrated approach to special education and vocational training and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to inclusive development.
