Addressing the “Viksit Bharat, Viksit Ports” programme in Chennai, Sarbananda Sonowal said the projects underscore the Centre’s commitment to building globally competitive, climate-resilient and digitally enabled ports, while improving ease of doing business (EODB) and coastal safety.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji provides the vision and leadership that drives India’s maritime transformation,” Sarbananda Sonowal said. “We are modernising ports, strengthening coastal resilience, digitising operations & expanding trade facilitation so that Indian ports emerge as engines of growth, national self-reliance and global competitiveness.”
Of the total outlay, ₹129.36 crore covers projects at Chennai Port Authority and ₹105.64 crore supports initiatives at Kamarajar Port Limited.
For Chennai Port Authority, the Union Minister laid foundation stones for three projects: repair and strengthening of the coastal revetment over about 850 metres at ₹33.28 Crores, construction of a new firefighting pump house at the Oil Dock Area with an investment of ₹43 Crores, and modernisation of Chennai Port Hospital at ₹8.08 Crores.
Sonowal also inaugurated the Enterprise Business System (EBS), a SAP based integrated digital platform developed at ₹45 Crore, expected to enhance transparency, compliance, and operational efficiency.
For Kamarajar Port Limited, the minister laid the foundation stone for a new boundary wall at ₹1.39 Crores and inaugurated the rehabilitated Northern Breakwater Head at ₹105 crores, strengthened after cyclone damage. The rehabilitation covers 202 m with 3035 new 25MT tetrapods.
In a nationwide trade-facilitation move aligned with the One Nation, One Port Process (ONOP), Sonowal launched the e-port clearance portal, enabling online submission and issuance of Port Clearance Certificates. The Union Minister also handed over a Rs. 18 Lakhs Cheque to Royal Madras Yacht Club (RMYC) for Sailing training of 20 students from Chennai Port School. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal visited the Swabodhini School & Vocational Centre for Special Children at Tondiarpet, interacting with students, parents, and faculty while reaffirming the Modi Govt’s commitment to inclusive development. The minister also planted a sapling under the “Ek Ped-Maa-Ke-Naam” campaign.
