India Poised to Lead Global Maritime Sector, Says Union Minister at Kamarajar Port’s Silver Jubilee

Chennai: Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, expressed confidence that India is on track to become a global leader in the maritime sector. Speaking at the silver jubilee celebrations of the Kamarajar Port Trust in Chennai, the Minister outlined the country’s ambitious maritime vision, predicting that by 2047, India would rank among the top ten maritime nations in the world.

Highlighting India’s growing capacity in cargo handling, Sonowal noted that Kamarajar Port plays a crucial role in decongesting Chennai Port by boosting coal handling efficiency. The Minister also emphasized the port’s potential for future expansion with the ongoing development of key projects, including the construction of a 3 MTPA IOCL Jetty, which will significantly increase its capacity.

In his address, Sonowal also underscored the importance of sustainability, revealing the establishment of a 1 MLD Seawater desalination plant at Kamarajar Port, costing ₹32 crores. The plant will meet the water needs of the port as well as the local coastal community for drinking and domestic purposes.

Further advancing the port’s infrastructural development, the Minister laid the foundation stone for the ₹545 crore capital dredging project and an Integrated Command and Control Centre at Kamarajar Port. He commended the Ministry’s focus on timely project completion, quality implementation, and their contribution to India’s growing maritime ecosystem.