Sarbananda Sonowal Launches Rs 1,500 Crore Projects at VOC Port Tuticorin to Boost Green Energy and Transshipment Capacity

Major Infrastructure and Clean Energy Push at V.O. Chidambaranar Port​

Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, February 23: Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has launched projects worth Rs 1,500 crore at V.O. Chidambaranar Port, aimed at upgrading port infrastructure, accelerating clean energy adoption, and deploying advanced digital technologies.

The investment is expected to strengthen the port’s position as a major transshipment hub in Tamil Nadu, enhancing both regional and international sea connectivity.

Projects Worth Over Rs 160 Crore Inaugurated​

During his visit to Tuticorin to review port operations, the Minister inaugurated projects valued at more than Rs 160 crore. These include:

• VOC Maritime Heritage Museum highlighting the port’s historical legacy
• Multiple road infrastructure projects to improve cargo and transport efficiency
• A digital twin project for AI-driven operations and maintenance
• A 5 MW energy storage facility

The digital twin initiative is designed to enhance operational efficiency and maintenance through data-driven monitoring systems.

Foundation Stone Laid for Rs 1,340 Crore Green and Industrial Projects​

Sonowal also laid the foundation stone for projects worth Rs 1,340 crore, focused on renewable energy and industrial development. Key components include:

• An 8 MW wind farm integrated with 5 MW storage
• A 2 MW green hydrogen facility
• A 2 MW ground-mounted solar plant
• An advanced energy management system equipped with smart metering

Out of the Rs 1,340 crore allocation:

• Rs 131.31 crore will be invested in rail infrastructure projects to strengthen cargo movement
• Rs 250 crore will go toward manufacturing shipbuilding equipment
• Rs 367 crore will support the government’s green tug initiative, enabling towing, pushing, and maneuvering of large vessels using green energy

An anti-drone security system featuring radar-based detection and jamming technology was also launched to enhance port security.

Strengthening Transshipment and Competing Globally​

The Minister stated that the government’s focus under Prime Minister Narendra Modi is to build a self-reliant, green, and technologically advanced maritime sector.

He emphasized that the newly launched projects will reduce logistics costs, promote industrial growth in Tuticorin, Tirunelveli, and Madurai districts, attract investments, and create employment opportunities. The initiatives are also expected to stimulate renewable energy, logistics, tourism, and shipbuilding sectors.

Sonowal added that the modernization and clean energy push would help the port compete with major international transshipment hubs such as the Port of Colombo.

Cargo and Container Volumes Show Growth​

V.O. Chidambaranar Port remains one of the major ports in the country. Cargo handling increased by 6 percent to 35.97 million tonnes between April 2025 and January 2026.

Container volumes rose 9.40 percent during the same period, reaching over 7.16 lakh TEUs in the current fiscal year’s April to January stretch.

With large-scale infrastructure expansion, green energy integration, digital transformation, and enhanced security systems, VOC Port is positioning itself as a technologically advanced and environmentally responsible maritime gateway for southern India.