Shipping Secretary reviews Chennai Port, commissions ₹54 crore infrastructure projects

Vijay Kumar, IAS, Secretary to the Government of India in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), visited Chennai Port on 27 January as part of his nationwide review of major ports, assessing operational performance, financial health and long-term development plans aligned with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.

During the visit, the Secretary inaugurated and laid foundation stones for four infrastructure projects with a combined investment of ₹54.27 crore, according to a statement issued by the Chennai Port Authority. The projects included a new passenger terminal for services linking the mainland with the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, built at a cost of ₹29.8 crore, and an indigenous Vessel Traffic Monitoring System valued at ₹22.58 crore. He also inaugurated new channel buoys and navigational aids costing ₹0.39 crore, and laid the foundation stone for the renovation of Port Gate No. 2, estimated at ₹1.5 crore.

The newly commissioned facilities are expected to strengthen coastal passenger connectivity, improve vessel traffic management, enhance navigational safety within port limits and contribute to overall operational efficiency and infrastructure modernisation at the port.

Vijay Kumar held extensive discussions with S. Viswanathan, IAS, Chairperson of the Chennai Port Authority, along with senior port officials, to review cargo and financial performance, asset monetisation initiatives and the status of ongoing and proposed projects under Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. The deliberations focused on boosting operational efficiency, improving commercial sustainability, optimising asset utilisation, deepening stakeholder engagement and accelerating implementation of the Port Master Plan to consolidate Chennai Port’s role as a key gateway on India’s east coast.

The Secretary also inspected critical facilities across the port, including the cruise terminal, the Outer Harbour project site and other operational areas, to assess progress on major infrastructure works.

In addition, Vijay Kumar chaired a stakeholder meeting at the port, engaging with shipping lines, terminal operators, logistics players and other port users. He outlined the government’s recent policy initiatives, shared the broader maritime vision and sought feedback on measures needed to further enhance ease of doing business and customer satisfaction.

Guided by MoPSW, the Chennai Port Authority continues to advance its transformation into a modern, efficient and future-ready port. With sustained investment in infrastructure, operational excellence and collaborative engagement with stakeholders, the port is strengthening its contribution to India’s maritime growth and the broader vision of a Viksit Bharat.