Chennai Port Chief Highlights Port’s Achievements and Future Vision in Republic Day Speech

Chennai:

Port Wings News Network:

Amidst a vibrant display of cultural heritage and national spirit, the Chennai Port Authority on 26 January 2026 celebrated India’s 77th Republic Day at the Babu Jagjivan Ram Sports Complex in Tondiarpet.

The ceremony served as a powerful reflection of the Port’s journey, honoring the constitutional foundations of the country while celebrating a year of historic international recognition, commemorating the spirit of the National Song, Vande Mataram, on her 150th year of composition.

The morning began with the unfurling of the National Flag by S. Viswanathan, IAS, Chairperson, Chennai Port Authority. Following an inspection of the Guard of Honour, the Chairperson addressed the gathering, movingly mentioning the continuing legacy of the Port. He recalled the glory and prestige of the freedom fighters and the state of Tamil Nadu, tracing its history from the rich annals of the past.

Highlighting Chennai Port’s recent rise in the domain of maritime progress, the Chairperson mentioned the recent achievements of the Port.

He emphatically mentioned that “The port has recorded a growth of 7.5%, driven by container traffic growth. Chennai Port Authority also set multiple all-time single-day cargo handling records in 2025, with a major improvement in its Turnaround Time, leading to an increase in operational efficiency. The Enterprise Business Solutions, integrated into the Port’s operational infrastructure, has also contributed towards simplifying and digitizing port activities. Expanding its automobile export milestone, the Port successfully conducted simultaneous operations and achieved a major leap in automobile-based logistics capabilities.”

The Chairperson outlined the green initiatives of the Port, focusing on the holistic contribution of the organization to societal needs. He stated that the Port is rapidly moving towards utilization of electric machinery instead of diesel powered ones, with the use of Green Tugs promising a future where the coastline is strengthened against climate change.

SPIRIT OF EMPLOYEE WELFARE

Ensuring the spirit of employee welfare, the Chairperson mentioned the initiatives taken with the community in mind, including welfare measures at Tondiarpet Housing Colony and the Port Hospital, and the new Meal Scheme for the students studying in Class X and XII at the Chennai Port and Dock Educational Trust School.

The Chairperson mentioned the scholarship provided to the children to inculcate in them the spirit of sailing and maritime adventure. The remarkable progress at the Swabodhini School for Special Children, which now facilitates inclusive care and education for over a thousand children with autism, was also highlighted in his address.

FUTURE ROADMAP OF THE PORT

The future roadmap of the Port was highlighted by the Chairperson, with focus on the upcoming projects like multilevel car parking, and ambitious ones like the elevated double-decker expressway at Maduravoyal, the Multimodal Logistics Park at Mappedu, and the Outer Harbour Project which is set to reclaim the seas. The Cruise Terminal is set to be operationalized soon, contributing to cruise-passenger driven maritime economy as envisaged in the initiatives of the sector.

AWARDS FOR SPIRIT OF EXCELLENCE

The spirit of excellence was also shared with the next generation. In a series of heartfelt presentations, the Chairperson awarded cash prizes to the students displaying excellence in academics and sports. Simultaneously, Exemplary Awards were presented to Port employees whose tireless dedication has fueled the Port’s recent successes.

The event concluded with a call to unity, with the Chairperson inspiring all present to take a solemn pledge of togetherness, urging every officer, staff member, and trade union leader to contribute to the shared architecture of Nation Building. The ceremony was attended by S. Murali Krishnan, IDAS, Chief Vigilance Officer, alongside Board members, Department Heads, officers of the Port and the students and teachers of ChPDET School and Swabodhini, all of whom stood together to celebrate a Port that remains as committed to its community as it is to its country.