The Centre on Thursday rolled out port infrastructure and digital governance projects worth ₹235 crore at Chennai Port Authority and Kamarajar Port Limited, aimed at strengthening Tamil Nadu’s maritime capacity and advancing India’s maritime-led growth strategy.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal launched the projects while addressing the “Viksit Bharat, Viksit Ports” programme in Chennai. He said the initiatives reflect the Centre’s focus on building climate-resilient, digitally enabled and globally competitive ports, while improving safety and ease of doing business.
Sonowal said the reforms align with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has prioritised port modernisation, coastal resilience and trade facilitation as part of the broader goals of Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Of the total outlay, ₹129.36 crore has been earmarked for projects at Chennai Port Authority, while ₹105.64 crore is allocated for initiatives at Kamarajar Port Limited.
At Chennai Port, the minister laid foundation stones for three projects focused on resilience, safety and public service delivery. These include repair and strengthening of the coastal revetment behind the Coastal Berth over an 850-metre stretch using climate-resilient designs, construction of a new firefighting pump house at the Oil Dock Area to meet OISD safety norms, and modernisation of the Chennai Port Hospital to upgrade medical facilities.
Sonowal also inaugurated the Enterprise Business System (EBS), a SAP-based integrated digital platform designed to bring finance, operations, human resources, assets, procurement and customer services onto a single digital backbone. The ₹45-crore system is expected to enhance transparency, compliance and operational efficiency, significantly improving ease of doing business.
At Kamarajar Port, the Union Minister laid the foundation stone for a new boundary wall connecting the Northern Port Access Road, aimed at improving access control and logistics efficiency. He also inaugurated the rehabilitated Northern Breakwater Head, strengthened after cyclone damage to ensure navigational safety and uninterrupted operations. The rehabilitation covers 202 metres and includes the placement of over 3,000 tetrapods, following damage caused by cyclones Thane and Nilam.
As part of a nationwide trade facilitation initiative under the One Nation–One Port Process, Sonowal launched the e-port clearance portal, enabling online submission and issuance of Port Clearance Certificates, including advance clearances. The portal is expected to reduce turnaround time and improve predictability for maritime operations across the country.
The minister also flagged off the India International Regatta 2026, describing it as an effort to inspire youth participation in maritime sports, and handed over a ₹18 lakh cheque to the Royal Madras Yacht Club for sailing training of students from Chennai Port School.
Later in the day, Sonowal visited the Swabodhini School and Vocational Centre for Special Children at Tondiarpet, interacting with students, parents and faculty. He reviewed the institution’s integrated model of special education and vocational training and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to inclusive development.
