R ARIVANANTHAM
CHENNAI, JAN 8
In a decisive push to accelerate maritime-led economic growth, the Centre on Wednesday rolled out ₹235 crore worth of port infrastructure and digital governance projects across Chennai Port Authority and Kamarajar Port Limited, reinforcing Tamil Nadu’s role as a key maritime gateway in India’s growth story.
Live: Delivering the keynote address at the Viksit Ports, Viksit Bharat event in Chennai https://t.co/Aurf1NzmnI
— Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal) January 8, 2026
Unveiling the projects under the “Viksit Bharat, Viksit Ports” programme, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said the initiatives underline the Centre’s resolve to build globally competitive, climate-resilient and digitally enabled ports, while sharply improving ease of doing business (EODB) and coastal safety.
- Chennai Port rolls out ₹129 Cr infrastructure and digital projects to strengthen resilience, safety and Ease of Doing Business
- Kamarajar Port secures ₹105 Cr breakwater rehabilitation to boost navigational safety and logistics efficiency
- Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal flags off India International Regatta 2026, inspiring youth participation in maritime sports
- Inclusive growth focus as Sonowal visits Swabodhini School & Vocational Centre for Special Children in Chennai
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji provides the vision and leadership that drive India’s maritime transformation,” Sarbananda Sonowal said. “Modiji’s clear focus on Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat guides every reform we undertake. We are modernising ports, strengthening coastal resilience, digitising operations & expanding trade facilitation so that Indian ports emerge as engines of growth, national self-reliance and global competitiveness.”
Of the total investment, ₹129.36 crore has been allocated to Chennai Port Authority, while ₹105.64 crore is earmarked for Kamarajar Port Limited.
Delighted to be in Chennai, a vital maritime gateway that has anchored India's trade for centuries. To further strengthen this legacy, inaugurated and laid the foundation for developmental initiatives worth more than ₹230 crore at Chennai Port & Kamarajar Port today.
Tamil Nadu… pic.twitter.com/UVe3atLMdR
— Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal) January 8, 2026
At Chennai Port, the Union Minister laid foundation stones for three critical projects aimed at enhancing resilience, safety and public service delivery. These include the repair and strengthening of the coastal revetment behind the Coastal Berth across 850 metres using climate-resilient designs at a cost of ₹33.28 crore. Another foundation stone was laid for a new firefighting pump house at the Oil Dock Area, built at an investment of ₹43 crore to meet OISD safety norms and safeguard critical energy-security assets. The third project involves the modernisation of Chennai Port Hospital with an outlay of ₹8.08 crore, upgrading wards, operation theatres, diagnostics and support services to ensure uninterrupted healthcare.
Sonowal also inaugurated the Enterprise Business System (EBS)—a SAP-based integrated digital platform developed at a cost of ₹45 crore, bringing finance, port operations, HR, assets, procurement and customer services onto a single digital backbone. The system is expected to significantly enhance transparency, compliance, operational efficiency and overall ease of doing business.
At Kamarajar Port Limited, the Minister laid the foundation stone for a new boundary wall at the north-west boundary connecting the Northern Port Access Road (NPAR) at a cost of ₹1.39 crore, improving access control and logistics efficiency. He also inaugurated the rehabilitated Northern Breakwater Head, completed at an investment of ₹105 crore, strengthening navigational safety and ensuring uninterrupted port operations. The rehabilitation spans 202 metres with the installation of 3,035 new 25MT tetrapods, restoring infrastructure damaged earlier during cyclones Thane and Nilam.
Highlighting the broader impact, Sonowal said, “These projects are part of a larger, integrated push to position India among the world’s leading maritime nations. By modernising ports, strengthening resilience, digitising operations and improving ease of doing business, we are building the maritime backbone required to transform the Indian economy and propel it toward Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji’s vision of a Viksit Bharat.”
In a major nationwide trade-facilitation step aligned with One Nation–One Port Process (ONOP), the Minister also launched the e-port clearance portal, enabling online submission and issuance of Port Clearance Certificates, including advance clearances. The initiative aims to reduce turnaround time, enhance transparency and improve predictability in maritime operations. The portal allows Shipping Lines and Steamer Agents to submit applications and download certificates digitally through a single user login.
Sonowal also handed over a ₹18 lakh cheque to the Royal Madras Yacht Club (RMYC) for sailing training of 20 students from Chennai Port School, and flagged off the India International Regatta 2026, encouraging youth engagement in maritime sports.
“The combined investments will elevate Tamil Nadu’s position as a maritime powerhouse and strengthen India’s standing in global supply chains,” Sonowal said. “Sustained investments and reforms under Sagarmala are turning India’s ports into globally benchmarked hubs that support growth, jobs and national pride.”
The programme resonated with the national spirit of “Vande Mataram @150”, marking 150 years of the iconic song and reaffirming collective commitment to a stronger, self-reliant India.
Extending the focus beyond infrastructure, Sarbananda Sonowal visited the Swabodhini School & Vocational Centre for Special Children at Tondiarpet, interacting with students, parents and faculty, and reaffirming the Modi government’s commitment to inclusive development. He reviewed Swabodhini’s integrated approach combining special education with occupational, speech and sensory therapies, physiotherapy, sports, yoga and vocational training, including skills in printing, candle and soap making, and computer education. The Minister was briefed on measurable outcomes such as improved mobility, communication skills and successful placements, and planted a sapling under the “Ek-Ped-Maa-Ke-Naam” campaign.
The event was attended by Dr. Malini V. Shankar, Vice Chancellor, India Maritime University; S. Viswanathan, Chairperson, Chennai Port Authority; JP Irene Cynthia, Managing Director, Kamarajar Port Limited, and other dignitaries, along with over 450 participants comprising port stakeholders, maritime professionals, IMU students and officials.
