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

By Admin

28 Jan, 2026

Overview of the Visit
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 a nationwide review of major ports. The visit focused on evaluating operational performance, financial health and long-term development plans aligned with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. The review forms part of the government’s broader effort to modernise port infrastructure and strengthen India’s maritime ecosystem.

Commissioning of Key Infrastructure Projects
During the visit, Vijay Kumar inaugurated and laid foundation stones for four major infrastructure projects with a combined investment of ₹54.27 crore, as announced by the Chennai Port Authority.
The projects include a new passenger terminal connecting the mainland with the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, developed at a cost of ₹29.8 crore. An indigenous Vessel Traffic Monitoring System valued at ₹22.58 crore was also commissioned to enhance vessel movement efficiency and safety. In addition, new channel buoys and navigational aids costing ₹0.39 crore were inaugurated, while the foundation stone was laid for the renovation of Port Gate No. 2 with an estimated investment of ₹1.5 crore.

Impact on Port Operations and Safety
The newly commissioned facilities are expected to significantly improve coastal passenger connectivity and strengthen vessel traffic management within port limits. Enhanced navigational aids will improve maritime safety, while upgraded infrastructure will contribute to smoother port operations, higher efficiency and overall infrastructure modernisation at Chennai Port.

Review of Performance and Strategic Planning
Vijay Kumar held detailed discussions with S. Viswanathan, IAS, Chairperson of the Chennai Port Authority, along with senior port officials. The discussions covered cargo handling performance, financial outcomes, asset monetisation initiatives and the progress of ongoing and proposed projects under Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
Key focus areas included improving operational efficiency, strengthening commercial sustainability, optimising asset utilisation, deepening stakeholder engagement and accelerating implementation of the Port Master Plan to reinforce Chennai Port’s role as a major gateway on India’s east coast.

Inspection of Critical Port Facilities
As part of the review, the Secretary inspected several critical facilities within the port, including the cruise terminal, the Outer Harbour project site and other operational zones. These inspections were aimed at assessing progress on major infrastructure works and identifying opportunities to fast-track development activities.

Stakeholder Engagement and Policy Outlook
Vijay Kumar also chaired a stakeholder meeting involving shipping lines, terminal operators, logistics providers and other port users. During the interaction, he highlighted recent policy initiatives of the government, shared the broader maritime vision and invited feedback on measures to further enhance ease of doing business and customer satisfaction at the port.

Path Towards a Future-Ready Port
Under the guidance of MoPSW, the Chennai Port Authority continues to progress towards becoming a modern, efficient and future-ready port. Through sustained investment in infrastructure, focus on operational excellence and collaborative engagement with stakeholders, Chennai Port is strengthening its contribution to India’s maritime growth and supporting the broader national vision of a Viksit Bharat.