V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority celebrated the 80th Independence Day with patriotic fervour at the CISF Parade Ground on August 15, 2026.
The celebrations commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag by Shri Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, followed by the inspection of the parade and the ceremonial salute to contingents of the CISF, Port Fire Service and NCC students from Port schools.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Purohit paid tribute to the freedom fighters whose sacrifices secured India’s independence and underlined the vital role of the maritime sector in supporting the country’s economic growth.
Highlighting the Port’s operational performance, he stated that V.O. Chidambaranar Port had handled 14.73 million tonnes of cargo and 2.95 lakh TEUs up to July 2026 during FY 2026–27. The Port also recorded the handling of 1,782 windmill blades during the period. Another operational milestone was the Port’s highest-ever parcel size of 1.04 lakh tonnes of coal, handled at North Cargo Berth-2 in May 2026.
The Chairperson also highlighted several major infrastructure initiatives aimed at strengthening the Port’s capacity and competitiveness. These include the development of Multi Cargo Berth No. 10, development of Berth No. 7 as the Port’s third Container Terminal, North Cargo Berth-4, strengthening of existing berths, improvements in dredging and widening of the entrance channel. He further emphasised the significance of the Outer Harbour Project, which is expected to enhance the Port’s future capacity and competitiveness.
As part of the Independence Day programme, Shri Purohit distributed the Best Turn-out Award and meritorious awards to Port officers and staff, Port school students and teachers, and children of Port employees.
The celebrations also featured cultural programmes by students of Harbour Higher Secondary School and Kendriya Vidyalaya, along with performances by the VOC Port Cultural Team. The CISF unit presented a rescue demonstration as part of the programme.
On the occasion, Shri Purohit also inaugurated an Ultrasound Unit at the Port Hospital, further strengthening healthcare facilities for the Port community.
A plantation programme was subsequently conducted at Berth No. 8, marking the Port’s commitment to environmental sustainability alongside its infrastructure and operational growth.
