The Centre on 8 January 2026 rolled out port infrastructure and digital governance projects worth ₹235 crore at Chennai Port Authority and Kamarajar Port Limited, marking a major push to strengthen Tamil Nadu’s maritime capacity and advance India’s maritime led growth agenda.
Union Minister for Ports Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal unveiled the projects while addressing the Viksit Bharat Viksit Ports programme in Chennai, saying the initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to building globally competitive climate resilient and digitally enabled ports while improving safety and ease of doing business.
Of the total outlay, ₹129.36 crore has been earmarked for projects at Chennai Port Authority. The minister laid foundation stones for strengthening the coastal revetment behind the Coastal Berth over an 850 metre stretch using climate resilient designs, construction of a new high capacity firefighting pump house at the Oil Dock Area in compliance with safety norms, and modernisation of the Chennai Port Hospital to upgrade medical infrastructure and services. He also inaugurated a SAP based Enterprise Business System developed at a cost of ₹45 crore to integrate finance port operations human resources assets procurement and customer services on a single digital platform, aimed at improving transparency compliance and operational efficiency.
At Kamarajar Port Limited, projects worth ₹105.64 crore were rolled out. These included the foundation stone for a new boundary wall along the north west boundary to strengthen access control and logistics efficiency, and the inauguration of the rehabilitated Northern Breakwater Head. The breakwater, strengthened after cyclone damage, is expected to enhance navigational safety and ensure uninterrupted port operations along India’s eastern maritime corridor.
As part of a nationwide trade facilitation drive under the One Nation One Port Process, the minister also launched the e port clearance portal, enabling online submission and issuance of Port Clearance Certificates, including advance clearances, to reduce turnaround time and enhance predictability for maritime operations. A cheque of ₹18 lakh was handed over to the Royal Madras Yacht Club for sailing training of students from Chennai Port School.
Sonowal said sustained investments and reforms under the Sagarmala programme are transforming Indian ports into globally benchmarked hubs supporting growth employment and national self reliance. He also visited the Swabodhini School and Vocational Centre for Special Children at Tondiarpet, interacting with students and staff and reaffirming the government’s commitment to inclusive development.
Separately, the 25th All India Major Port Cultural Meet 2025–26 was inaugurated on the same day at Paradip Port in Odisha. The four day event is being organised by Paradip Port Authority under the aegis of the Major Ports Sports Control Board and has drawn participation from more than 200 employees representing nine major ports across the country. Competitions are being held across music dance and drama categories, with the meet scheduled to conclude on 11 January 2026.
