Tamil Nadu Minister Velu Meets Union Shipping Minister Sonowal in Delhi, Seeks Support for Sagarmala Schemes
Chennai:
Port Wings News Network:
On 11 August 2025, Tamil Nadu State Government’s Minister for Public Works, Highways and Minor Ports EV Velu met Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal in New Delhi and handed over a memorandum for port development projects in the state.
Velu submitted a memorandum urging the swift implementation of minor port development projects in Tamil Nadu under the Sagarmala scheme.
Details of important points raised in the memorandum are given below.
Infrastructure Development at Rameswaram Port for International Passenger Ferry Service between Rameswaram (India) and Talaimannar (Sri Lanka):
Rameswaram is a revered pilgrimage destination, attracting approximately 2 crore devotees and tourists annually. Enhancing basic infrastructure at Rameswaram Port will not only boost domestic tourism but also promote international ferry services.
A detailed project report, prepared by the National Technology Centre for Ports, Waterways, and Coasts (NTCPWC) at IIT Chennai, outlines the development of infrastructure, including a 250-meter-long approach jetty and an international passenger terminal, at an estimated cost of ₹118 crore. This will enable the launch of an international passenger ferry service covering the 26-nautical-mile (48 km) distance between Rameswaram (India) and Talaimannar (Sri Lanka).
The jetty and passenger terminal, located 500 meters from Rameswaram Railway Station, will facilitate tourists and devotees traveling from various parts of India and abroad to Talaimannar, Sri Lanka. A concept note for this project, seeking ₹118 crore under the Sagarmala scheme, has been submitted to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, with a request for expeditious financial assistance from the Union Government.
Upgradation of the Existing Pamban Canal for East-West Connectivity for Small and Medium-Sized Vessels:
The Pamban Canal, connecting the Palk Bay and the Gulf of Mannar, facilitates small vessels like fishing boats for maritime trade, linking India’s eastern and western regions by sea. The canal currently has a depth of only 2.0 meters. The old Scherzer rolling lift railway bridge, built over 100 years ago, was replaced with a new vertical lift railway bridge, inaugurated by the Prime Minister on 6 April 2025.
Upgrading the canal will enhance east-west maritime connectivity for small and medium-sized vessels, supporting domestic cargo transport and enabling Indian Navy and Coast Guard vessels to navigate within Indian waters. The NTCPWC at IIT Chennai is preparing a detailed project report for dredging the Pamban Canal. Once submitted, the Tamil Nadu Government has urged the Union Government to provide 100% financial assistance under the Sagarmala scheme to ensure east-west maritime connectivity in southern India.
Implementing these projects will increase tourist and pilgrim footfall in Ramanathapuram district, create numerous employment opportunities, and significantly contribute to the district’s socio-economic development.
During the meeting, the Tamil Nadu Government’s Special Representative, A.K.S. Vijayan; Additional Chief Secretary of the Public Works Department, Mangatram Sharma, IAS; Principal Secretary/Deputy Chairman and CEO of the Tamil Nadu Maritime Board, T.N. Venkatesh, IAS; Resident Commissioner of Tamil Nadu House in New Delhi, Mr. Ashish Kumar, IAS, and Special Technical Engineer, Mr. Chandrasekar, were also present.
Following this, Minister Velu also held discussions with the Secretary of the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, T.K. Ramachandran, IAS.
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