Shipping Secretary Vijay Kumar Visits Chennai Port, Inaugurates Projects Worth ₹52 Crore
Chennai:
Port Wings News Network:
As part of his nationwide visit to government-run major ports, Vijay Kumar, IAS, Secretary to the Government of India, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), on 27 January 2026 visited the Chennai Port to review the Port functioning, operational & financial performances, and take stock of infrastructure development and future growth plans including alignment with Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, aimed to make India one of the leading Maritime nations in the world.
According to a media statement from the port authority, during his visit, Vijay Kumar inaugurated and laid foundation stone for a total of four projects worth Rs.54.27 Crore.
He inaugurated Passenger Terminal primarily meant for the passenger vessels connecting Andaman & Nicobar Islands, developed at an estimated cost of Rs. 29.8 Crore, Indigenous Vessel Traffic Monitoring System developed at a cost of Rs. 22.58 Crore, and channel buoys / Navigational Aids, developed at a cost Rs. 0.39 Crore. Besides, the Secretary also laid foundation stone for renovation of Port Gate 2 – Project, planned at an estimated cost of Rs. 1.5 Crore.
These initiatives help coastal movement of passengers, aids vessel movement and traffic management, ensure safety of vessel in the navigation channel and within the port limits, and ensure the beautification of port infrastructure, including overall operational efficiency enhancement of the Port.
Later, Vijay Kumar held detailed discussions with S. Viswanathan, IAS, Chairperson, Chennai Port Authority as well as with the senior port officials and reviewed overall port performance, asset monetization, implementation of initiatives under Maritime India Vision 2030, Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, and progress of ongoing and proposed projects.
Emphasis was placed on improving operational efficiency, self-sustained commercial viability, optimization of resources and strengthening stakeholder engagement and expediting implementation of the Port Master Plan to reinforce Chennai Port’s position as a major maritime gateway on India’s east coast.
The Secretary also visited key facilities across the Port premises, including the Cruise Terminal, Outer Harbour project site, and other operational areas, to review the progress of critical infrastructure projects.
During his visit, Vijay Kumar chaired Chennai Port Stakeholder Meeting, wherein he interacted with the port stakeholders, briefed them about the Government of India’s recent initiatives and overall vision and enquired about stakeholder’s requirements from the government for further improving ease of doing business and better customer satisfaction.
Under the leadership and guidance of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Chennai Port Authority continues its journey towards becoming a modern, efficient, and future-ready port. With sustained emphasis on infrastructure development, operational excellence, and collaborative growth, the Port is steadily strengthening its role in India’s maritime ecosystem and contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat.
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