The Centre announced port projects worth about Rs 235 crore in Tamil Nadu, aiming to boost maritime-led growth, improve safety and speed up clearances for ships.
The initiatives focus on upgrading infrastructure at Chennai Port and Kamarajar Port, and on rolling out a new national e-port clearance portal.
According to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal launched projects worth Rs 129.36 crore at Chennai Port Authority and Rs 105.64 crore at Kamarajar Port Limited. The Centre stated that this would strengthen Tamil Nadu’s role as a “maritime powerhouse” and enhance India’s position in global supply chains.
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At Chennai Port, three key works were flagged off:
1. Repair and strengthening of the coastal revetment behind the Coastal Berth over about 850 metres, using climate-resilient designs, at a cost of Rs 33.28 crore.
2. A new firefighting pump house at the oil dock area to meet OISD safety norms, with an outlay of Rs 43 crore.
3. Modernisation of the Chennai Port Hospital, with Rs 8.08 crore for upgrades to wards, operation theatres, diagnostics and support services.
The Minister also inaugurated a Rs 45‑crore SAP-based Enterprise Business System that integrates finance, operations, HR, assets, procurement and customer services on one digital platform to improve ease of doing business.
Highlights from yesterday's 'Viksit Ports, Viksit Bharat' programme in Chennai.
— Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal) January 9, 2026
Do give it a watch! pic.twitter.com/8s9tKTxAm5
Sonowal was in Chennai as part of a series of maritime events, including flagging off the 11th SDAT India International Youth Sailing Championship (India International Regatta). The projects were announced as part of the ‘Viksit Ports, Viksit Bharat’ programme in the city.
Safer breakwater and new e-clearance portal
At Kamarajar Port, Sonowal inaugurated the rehabilitated Northern Breakwater Head, rebuilt with an investment of about Rs 105 crore after cyclone damage, covering 202 metres and using 3,035 new 25‑MT tetrapods to ensure safer navigation.
A new boundary wall linking the Northern Port Access Road, costing Rs 1.39 crore, was also launched to improve access control and logistics efficiency.
“Tamil Nadu is rapidly emerging as a global maritime powerhouse. Under the Sagarmala Programme alone, the state is witnessing a massive transformation with 98 projects worth over Rs 93,400 crore, driving port-led industrialisation and coastal prosperity,” said Sonowal in a post on X.
Delighted to be in Chennai, a vital maritime gateway that has anchored India's trade for centuries. To further strengthen this legacy, inaugurated and laid the foundation for developmental initiatives worth more than ₹230 crore at Chennai Port & Kamarajar Port today.
— Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal) January 8, 2026
Tamil Nadu… pic.twitter.com/UVe3atLMdR
The union minister also unveiled an e-port clearance portal under the “One Nation–One Port Process”, enabling shipping lines and steamer agents to apply online and download Port Clearance Certificates, including advance clearances, to cut turnaround time and increase transparency.
Sonowal also handed over a cheque of Rs 18 lakh to the Royal Madras Yacht Club to fund sailing training for 20 students from Chennai Port School and visited Swabodhini School & Vocational Centre for Special Children in Tondiarpet.The programme was linked to the “Vande Mataram @150” initiative, marking 150 years of the patriotic song.
