PM Modi unveils eight projects worth ₹7.54 billion to boost VOC Port

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for eight projects worth ₹7.54 billion at V.O. Chidambaranar Port (VOC Port) in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, to expand container-handling capacity, develop green maritime fuel infrastructure and improve cargo movement.

The projects cover container terminal development, green hydrogen production, green methanol bunkering, renewable energy, electric mobility, road connectivity, truck parking and mechanised fertiliser handling. Together, they aim to strengthen the port’s capacity to serve exporters, importers and industries across southern Tamil Nadu and its hinterland.

Container capacity to increase by 0.42 million TEUs
The largest investment is the ₹5.17-billion conversion of Berth No. 7 into a container terminal. The project, for which the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone, will add an annual container-handling capacity of 0.42 million TEUs (420,000 TEUs).

The proposed terminal will feature a 370-metre quay, around 10 hectares of backup area, three quay cranes and nine rubber-tyred gantry cranes (RTGCs). The planned enhancement of draft to 14.20 metres is intended to facilitate calls by larger container vessels.

The additional capacity is expected to strengthen shipping connectivity for exporters and importers, improve container handling and support VOC Port’s role as a container gateway for southern Tamil Nadu and the wider hinterland.

Green hydrogen and methanol infrastructure
The development package also includes infrastructure to support the use of cleaner fuels in port and maritime operations.

The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for a 3 MW green hydrogen manufacturing and refuelling station, estimated to cost ₹0.81 billion. The facility will integrate hydrogen production, storage and refuelling, with provision for its use in port vehicles.

He also inaugurated a green methanol bunkering and refuelling facility developed at a cost of ₹0.38 billion. The facility has two storage tanks, each with a capacity of 750 cubic metres, and an approximately 2.8-km pipeline connecting it to the oil jetty. The infrastructure is intended to support the handling and bunkering of green methanol for maritime use.

A 2 MW solar power plant, developed at a cost of ₹98.0 million, was also inaugurated. It is expected to generate around 3.77 million kWh of renewable electricity annually. In addition, four electric buses worth ₹46.7 million were introduced to support cleaner mobility within the port ecosystem.

Road and truck parking projects to improve cargo evacuation
To improve landside connectivity, the Prime Minister inaugurated a 3.37-km four-lane road connecting TTPS Roundana and Check Post-2. Developed at a cost of ₹0.47 billion, the road includes rigid pavement and storm-water drainage infrastructure. It is expected to improve internal traffic movement, cargo evacuation and road safety.

A truck parking terminal, estimated to cost ₹0.47 billion, is also part of the package. Spread across 52,598 square metres, the facility will accommodate approximately 230 cargo trucks. It is designed to help reduce roadside parking, vehicle queues and congestion around port operations.

The package further includes three mechanised bagging machines with silos and conveyors, involving an investment of ₹77.1 million. The equipment is expected to improve fertiliser handling efficiency and reduce manual intervention.

Focus on a larger maritime and logistics hub
In his remarks, the Prime Minister said the Union Government was giving greater importance to the shipping sector and highlighted Tamil Nadu’s role in India’s maritime development. Referring to approximately ₹170 billion in Union Government investment, he said VOC Port was being developed into a world-class mega container port and green energy hub.

He added that the planned development would enable the port to receive ultra-large container vessels and support Tamil Nadu’s ambitions in industry and transportation. The Prime Minister also highlighted improvements in the efficiency of Indian ports, noting that vessel turnaround times had been halved in recent years, helping save time and costs in cargo movement.

The eight projects at VOC Port combine capacity expansion, cleaner energy infrastructure and logistics improvements. Their implementation is expected to strengthen the port’s role in supporting regional trade, industrial activity and cargo connectivity. Located in Thoothukudi on Tamil Nadu’s southeastern coast, VOC Port is a maritime gateway for cargo moving to and from southern Tamil Nadu and its industrial hinterland. Its container, bulk and other cargo-handling activities support trade by connecting regional businesses with domestic and international shipping networks.

For exporters and importers, port capacity is only one part of the supply chain. Cargo must also move efficiently between ships, terminals, trucks, rail links and inland markets. Additional container capacity can support higher cargo volumes, while improved roads and dedicated truck parking can help ease congestion and improve the movement of goods. Mechanised fertiliser handling can also support the movement of agricultural inputs to inland destinations.

The green hydrogen, green methanol and solar power projects extend the port’s development beyond cargo capacity, positioning it to support the transition towards cleaner energy in port and maritime operations.