V.O.Chidambaranar Port Turns Its Focus Towards Infrastructure to Meet Growing Trade Requirements
Tuticorin:
Port Wings News Network:
With a focus on enhancing cargo-handling, storage and evacuation facilities to support the evolving requirements of trade and industry, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA) is strengthening its infrastructure and operational capabilities in line with the Port’s growing trade and cargo traffic.
HANDLED 14.73 MILLION TONNES OF CARGO UP TO JULY 2026
VOC Port has handled 14.73 million tonnes of cargo, including 2.95 lakh TEUs of container traffic and 8.84 million tonnes of major bulk cargo, up to July 2026. The cargo traffic is projected to reach 48.30 million tonnes in 2027-28, with 19.31 million tonnes of container cargo and 28.99 million tonnes of bulk cargo.
In 2028-29, it is expected to grow further to 50.72 million tonnes, comprising 20.28 million tonnes of container cargo and 30.44 million tonnes of bulk cargo. In 2029-30, cargo traffic is projected to reach 53.25 million tonnes, with 21.29 million tonnes of container cargo and 31.96 million tonnes of bulk cargo. The ongoing infrastructure projects are being developed to support this projected growth and meet future cargo-handling requirements.
CONTAINER INFRASTRUCTURE EXPANSION
As part of its container infrastructure expansion, Berth No. 7 is being upgraded into a modern container terminal at an estimated cost of ₹517.19 crore, with an annual handling capacity of 4.2 lakh TEUs. The 370-metre berth will have its draft increased from 11.7 metres to 14.20 metres to handle container vessels of up to 12,100 TEUs. The project is scheduled for completion by March 2029.
DEVELOPMENT OF MULTI CARGO BERTH
The development of Multi Cargo Berth No. 10, taken up at a cost of ₹87.38 crore, is progressing steadily, with around 70% physical progress. The berth will have an initial capacity of 4 Million Tonnes Per Annum, with provision for enhancement to 10.22 Million Tonnes Per Annum upon enhancement of the draft to 14.20 metres. The project is targeted for completion by 30 November 2026.
To strengthen cargo storage, handling and evacuation infrastructure, the Port is developing an additional 40-acre Custom Bond Area at a cost of ₹61.64 crore. The facility will augment bulk cargo stacking capacity and provide improved road connectivity to the upcoming Green Hydrogen plant areas and the stackyards of North Cargo Berth-II and III, facilitating smoother cargo movement and faster evacuation. The project will support the Port’s future cargo growth and promote port-led industrial activities.
The Port has also completed infrastructure enhancement works at the Marshalling Yard at a cost of ₹5.34 crore. The project includes dedicated loading and unloading platforms and supporting road infrastructure for cargo transportation and vehicle movement, covering an area of 65,830 sq. m (16.25 acres).
The Port’s enhanced Marshalling Yard has facilitated the rail dispatch of 100 VinFast electric vehicles from Tuticorin to Ballabhgarh, Haryana, using the newly introduced NMG (Newly Modified Goods) Wagons. The movement demonstrates the Yard’s enhanced capability to support automobile logistics and efficient multimodal cargo evacuation through improved rail infrastructure.
DEVELOPING SEAFARERS CLUB IN THE VOC WHARF
The Port is also strengthening essential supporting infrastructure. A 3 MLD Sea Water Reverse Osmosis desalination plant is being established at a cost of ₹72.66 crore to meet the Port’s present and future potable water requirements, particularly in view of upcoming developments such as the Outer Harbour, Offshore Wind Power Terminal and Coastal Employment Unit. The project is scheduled for completion by 6 August 2027.
In addition, the Port is developing a Seafarers Club in the VOC Wharf. The facility will address the long-standing requirement for dedicated facilities for seafarers visiting the Port and provide improved facilities inside the Custom Bond Area. The work is in progress and is scheduled for completion by October 2026.
Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, stated that the Port’s ongoing development initiatives are aimed at enhancing cargo-handling efficiency and strengthening supporting logistics infrastructure to meet the evolving needs of trade and industry. He also said that “These initiatives are being undertaken in line with the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan for integrated and efficient multimodal connectivity, while realising the objectives of Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, under the guidance of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, led by Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Hon’ble Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.”
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