V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOC Port) is accelerating infrastructure development and operational enhancements to cater to rising trade and cargo volumes, with a focus on strengthening container handling, bulk cargo storage, evacuation and supporting logistics infrastructure.
The Port has handled 14.73 million tonnes of cargo up to July 2026, including 2.95 lakh TEUs of container traffic and 8.84 million tonnes of major bulk cargo. With cargo volumes expected to increase significantly in the coming years, the Port is undertaking a series of infrastructure projects aimed at creating additional capacity and improving operational efficiency.
Cargo traffic is projected to reach 48.30 million tonnes in 2027-28, comprising 19.31 million tonnes of container cargo and 28.99 million tonnes of bulk cargo. The volume is expected to rise to 50.72 million tonnes in 2028-29, including 20.28 million tonnes of container cargo and 30.44 million tonnes of bulk cargo. By 2029-30, total cargo traffic is projected to reach 53.25 million tonnes, with 21.29 million tonnes of container cargo and 31.96 million tonnes of bulk cargo.
Berth 7 to be upgraded into container terminal
As part of its container infrastructure expansion, Berth No. 7 is being upgraded into a modern container terminal at an estimated cost of ₹517.19 crore. The project will provide an annual handling capacity of 4.2 lakh TEUs.
The 370-metre berth will see its draft enhanced from 11.7 metres to 14.20 metres, enabling it to handle container vessels of up to 12,100 TEUs. The project is scheduled for completion by March 2029.
Meanwhile, development of Multi Cargo Berth No. 10, being undertaken at a cost of ₹87.38 crore, is progressing with around 70% physical progress. The berth will initially have a capacity of 4 million tonnes per annum, with provision to increase this to 10.22 million tonnes per annum following enhancement of the draft to 14.20 metres. The project is targeted for completion by November 30, 2026.
Additional Custom Bond Area to strengthen cargo evacuation
To enhance cargo storage, handling and evacuation capabilities, VOC Port is developing an additional 40-acre Custom Bond Area at a cost of ₹61.64 crore.
The facility will increase bulk cargo stacking capacity and improve road connectivity to the upcoming Green Hydrogen plant areas and the stackyards of North Cargo Berths-II and III. The improved connectivity is expected to facilitate smoother cargo movement and faster evacuation while supporting future cargo growth and port-led industrial development.
The Port has also completed infrastructure enhancement works at its Marshalling Yard at a cost of ₹5.34 crore. Spread across 65,830 sq. metres (16.25 acres), the upgraded facility includes dedicated loading and unloading platforms along with supporting road infrastructure for cargo transportation and vehicle movement.
The enhanced Marshalling Yard has already facilitated the rail dispatch of 100 VinFast electric vehicles from Tuticorin to Ballabhgarh, Haryana, using newly introduced NMG (Newly Modified Goods) wagons. The movement highlights the Port’s enhanced capability to support automobile logistics and multimodal cargo evacuation through improved rail infrastructure.
Desalination plant to support future developments
VOC Port is also strengthening its essential supporting infrastructure. A 3 MLD Seawater Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) desalination plant is being established at a cost of ₹72.66 crore to meet the Port’s present and future potable water requirements.
The facility will be particularly important in supporting upcoming developments, including the Outer Harbour, Offshore Wind Power Terminal and Coastal Employment Unit. The project is scheduled for completion by August 6, 2027.
In another development, the Port is constructing a Seafarers Club at the VOC Wharf. The facility is intended to address the long-standing requirement for dedicated amenities for seafarers visiting the Port and provide improved facilities within the Custom Bond Area. The work is currently in progress and is scheduled for completion by October 2026.
Commenting on the development programme, Shri Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, said the ongoing initiatives are aimed at enhancing cargo-handling efficiency and strengthening supporting logistics infrastructure to meet the evolving requirements of trade and industry.
He said the development initiatives are being undertaken in line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which seeks to promote integrated and efficient multimodal connectivity. The initiatives also support the objectives of Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, under the guidance of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, led by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.
With investments spanning container terminals, multi-cargo berths, storage areas, rail infrastructure, road connectivity, water supply and seafarer facilities, VOC Port is positioning itself to handle the projected growth in cargo traffic while strengthening its role as a key gateway for southern India’s trade and industrial development.