Chennai: Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, announced ambitious plans to position India among the top 10 maritime nations by 2047.
Speaking at the silver jubilee celebrations of the Kamarajar Port Trust, Sonowal highlighted several key projects aimed at enhancing the port’s cargo capacity and infrastructure.
The minister laid the foundation stone for significant initiatives, including capital dredging and the establishment of an Integrated Command and Control Centre at Kamarajar Port, with a total investment of ₹545 crore. These projects are expected to decongest Chennai Port and improve coal handling efficiency, with potential for future expansion.
Sonowal also announced the construction of an IOCL Jetty with a capacity of 3 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) and a 1 MLD seawater desalination plant costing ₹32 crore. The desalination plant will not only meet the port’s needs but also provide drinking water for the coastal community.
Highlighting the importance of timely implementation, Sonowal emphasized that the Shipping Ministry’s focus on quality and efficiency has led to the rapid completion of flagship programs. He expressed confidence that these developments would significantly boost India’s maritime capabilities, paving the way for the nation to become a global leader in the sector by 2047.
