Tamil Nadu is preparing a comprehensive State Maritime and Waterways Master Plan to establish a long-term framework for the development of ports, waterways, coastal connectivity and related maritime infrastructure, to improve cargo movement and reduce logistics costs across the State.
The Tamil Nadu Maritime Board (TNMB) has submitted a proposal to the Government of India seeking funding assistance for preparation of the master plan, according to the Highways and Minor Ports Department’s Policy Note 2026–27 tabled in the Tamil Nadu Assembly.
The master plan is expected to provide a coordinated roadmap for maritime infrastructure development, aligning port capacity, waterways, connectivity and supporting facilities with future cargo demand and regional economic growth.
The Tamil Nadu Maritime Board is responsible for the administration, management and development of the State’s minor ports. It currently administers, controls and regulates 17 notified minor ports. The development of these ports will be determined by factors including the cargo potential of individual locations, projected requirements, technical and commercial feasibility, environmental considerations and statutory approvals.
During 2025–26, Tamil Nadu’s ports handled 1.13 crore metric tonnes of cargo, while the Tamil Nadu Maritime Board recorded gross revenue of ₹61 crore, highlighting the growing role of the State’s maritime sector in supporting trade and industrial activity.
Focus on Port Connectivity
A major component of the State’s maritime development strategy will be improving connectivity between ports and the wider road and rail network.
The State plans to coordinate port-connectivity requirements with the relevant infrastructure agencies and incorporate them into project planning based on projected cargo volumes, regional development requirements and future logistics demand.
Better integration between ports, highways and rail networks is expected to support more efficient cargo evacuation, improve supply-chain reliability and contribute to lower logistics costs for industries and exporters.
Procurement and Contractor Management to be Strengthened
Alongside the maritime master plan, the department is also proposing measures to strengthen procurement and contractor-management systems as part of its wider infrastructure development programme.
The combined focus on long-term maritime planning, multimodal connectivity and improved project-management systems is aimed at creating a more structured and coordinated approach to Tamil Nadu’s port and coastal infrastructure development.
The proposed master plan could therefore provide a strategic foundation for aligning future investments in ports, waterways and connectivity infrastructure with cargo demand, industrial growth and Tamil Nadu’s broader logistics ambitions.