V.O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port Authority is set to strengthen its maritime infrastructure with projects worth ₹753.68 crore, inaugurated or initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi through virtual participation on October 11.
The eight projects include four infrastructure facilities inaugurated and foundation stones laid for four new developments, focusing on port connectivity, cargo-handling capacity, operational efficiency and green energy.
The inaugurated projects comprise a four-lane road connecting TTPS Roundana and Check Post-2 at ₹47.46 crore, a green methanol bunkering and refuelling facility at ₹38.12 crore, a 2 MW solar power plant at ₹9.80 crore, and four electric buses costing ₹4.67 crore.
The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stones for four major developments, including the conversion of Berth No. 7 into a container terminal at ₹517.19 crore, a 3 MW green hydrogen manufacturing and refuelling station at ₹81.33 crore, a truck parking terminal at ₹47.40 crore, and three bagging machines with silos and conveyors at ₹7.71 crore.
The conversion of Berth No. 7 into a container terminal accounts for the largest share of the investment and is expected to strengthen the port’s container-handling infrastructure. The green hydrogen facility and green methanol bunkering project underline the port’s focus on cleaner energy and sustainable maritime operations.
The four-lane road and truck parking terminal are aimed at improving connectivity and cargo movement, while the bagging machinery and associated infrastructure will support cargo-handling operations.
The occasion was attended by Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal, and Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Dr. L. Murugan.
The projects mark a significant step in VOC Port’s modernisation drive, supporting more efficient logistics, enhanced cargo capacity and the development of sustainable maritime infrastructure in line with India’s broader port-led growth ambitions.