V.O.Chidambaranar Port Pins Big Hopes on Outer Harbour Project for Sustained Growth: Chairperson Purohit

Tuticorin:

Port Wings News Network:

V.O. Chidambaranar Port on 26 January 2026 marked the 77th Republic Day celebrations in a grand manner at the Port-run School grounds.

Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, unfurled the National Flag and received the Guard of Honour from the CISF personnel, Port Fire Service team, and NCC cadets of the Port School.

Addressing the gathering on the occasion, the Chairperson reflected on the historic significance of 26 January, commemorating the adoption of the Constitution and India’s emergence as a sovereign republic. He expressed gratitude to the nation’s founding leaders for their vision and steadfast leadership in shaping India’s democratic journey.

Highlighting the Port’s robust performance in his speech, the Chairperson stated that the port has handled 31.97 million tonnes of cargo during the current financial year up to December 2025. He noted a 10.47% growth in container traffic, with 6,42,454 TEUs handled up to December-end in this financial year, compared to 5,81,557 TEUs during the corresponding period of 2024–25.

OUTER HARBOUR PROJECT

He further stated that bids have been invited for the Outer Harbour project, which envisages the development of two container terminals, each with a 1,000-metre-long quay, 18-metre draft, and a combined capacity of 4 million TEUs, reinforcing the Port’s emergence as a global maritime hub.

GREEN INITIATIVES OF THE PORT

Highlighting the Port’s commitment to sustainability, he said that several green initiatives have been launched, including a pilot project for green hydrogen production, making it India’s first port to undertake such an initiative, along with the implementation of 2 MW ground-mounted solar and 6 MW wind energy projects.

Marking a significant step towards enhancing sustainable operational efficiency, Shushant Kumar Purohit flagged off a E-Payloader. He also inaugurated key facilities, including a new gymnasium for Port employees and an ENT workstation at the Port Hospital.

As part of the celebrations, fruits were distributed to inpatients at the Port Hospital, reflecting the Port’s continued commitment to healthcare, employee welfare, and social responsibility.

MERITORIOUS AWARDS TO DESERVING OFFICERS

As part of the event, the Chairperson distributed Meritorious Awards to deserving officers and staff from various departments of the Port in recognition of their dedicated service. Adding colour and vibrancy to the event, students of the Port School, dressed in bright and attractive costumes, presented captivating cultural performances.

The CISF unit impressed the gathering with well-coordinated drills and exercises, while the Port Fire Service team staged demonstration programmes highlighting their preparedness and skill. In addition, the Port Cultural Team presented a cultural performance.