Union Minister Sonowal launches over Rs 1,500 crore projects at VOC Port; focus on green, digital modernisation

New Delhi [India], February 23 (ANI): Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for projects worth more than Rs 1,500 crore at V. O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOC Port) in Tuticorin, marking a significant expansion of infrastructure, renewable energy integration and digital modernisation at the port.
A key highlight of the event was the inauguration of the VOC Maritime Heritage Museum, an immersive institution dedicated to India's maritime legacy and the contribution of freedom fighter V.O. Chidambaranar. The museum has been conceived as a cultural and educational landmark for southern Tamil Nadu and is expected to promote tourism, community engagement and awareness of the Coromandel Coast's maritime history.
Sonowal also inaugurated and laid foundation stones for projects spanning rail and road connectivity upgrades, power infrastructure enhancement, renewable energy integration, including solar, wind, battery storage and green hydrogen production, advanced safety systems and digital platforms.
"The projects reflect the government's focus on port-led development under Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji's Maritime Vision 2047 and aim to strengthen VOC Port's position as a green and technologically advanced maritime hub", Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said.
"These landmark projects are a direct reflection of the dynamic and visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji. Under his guidance, India's ports are being transformed into engines of growth, innovation and global competitiveness, driving our journey toward a self-reliant, green and technologically advanced maritime sector," he added.
The event builds on recent milestones at the port, including the commissioning of three new berths in the past 18 months. Among them is North Cargo Berth-III, dedicated by Prime Minister Modi in July 2025, which has expanded bulk cargo capacity. Work is also progressing on the Outer Harbour project, designed to handle larger vessels and increase trade volumes.
VOC Port has emerged as a leader in sustainable maritime operations and became the first Indian port to produce and use green hydrogen on-site. A pilot project has been operational since late 2025, with plans for commercial-scale development by 2029. Officials said integrated renewable initiatives, green methanol facilities and partnerships in e-ammonia and carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) are positioning the port as a future-ready green fuel bunkering centre.
On the technology front, the port has deployed India's first comprehensive Digital Twin platform for real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance and data-driven optimisation. An anti-drone system has also been installed to strengthen the security of critical infrastructure.
Sonowal further added, "At V.O.C. Port, initiatives such as the Outer Harbour project, shipbuilding development and comprehensive green energy measures will reshape the economic landscape of the region and strengthen its position as a major transhipment hub. Guided by Prime Minister Modi's Maritime Vision 2047, these efforts will promote inclusive growth, sustainability and establish India as a global maritime powerhouse."
It is expected that the projects will reduce logistics costs, accelerate industrial growth across the Tuticorin, Tirunelveli and Madurai districts, attract new investments and generate significant employment opportunities. The Maritime Heritage Museum is also expected to enhance tourism and contribute to the overall socio-economic development of the region, Sonowal said.
Operational performance has improved alongside these developments. From April 2025 to January 2026, cargo handling rose 6 per cent to 35.97 million tonnes, including a record 4 million tonnes in January alone. Container volumes increased 9.4 per cent to more than 716,000 TEUs, driven by process reforms, additional equipment and expanded storage capacity.
With ongoing investments in infrastructure, sustainability, digital innovation and port-led industrialisation, VOC Port is consolidating its position as a major maritime gateway on India's eastern seaboard and a model for green and secure port development.
Susanta Kumar Purohit, Chairperson, VOC Port Authority, added: "By prioritising world-class infrastructure, cutting-edge digitisation, ambitious green innovation, and port-led industrialisation, including shipbuilding, VOC Port is strengthening its pivotal role in regional prosperity and national development."
Earlier this month, the port hosted a pre-event on artificial intelligence in ports and presented a session titled "AI-Powered Ports: Reimagining Efficiency and Operations" at the IndiaAI Impact Summit. (ANI)