Union Minister Sonowal unveils ₹1,500 crore infra projects at VOC port

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for projects worth ₹1,500 crore at the V.O. Chidambaranar Port (VOC Port). The upgrades target four primary pillars: infrastructure expansion, renewable energy integration, digital modernisation, and cultural heritage.

Building on the pilot project launched in late 2025, VOC Port is introducing new initiatives focusing on sustainability. These include the implementation of integrated renewable energy through new solar and wind power installations coupled with advanced battery storage.

To enhance operational safety and efficiency in the Indian maritime sector, the Minister unveiled several innovative firsts. These include the introduction of a Digital Twin Platform, which functions as a comprehensive virtual replica of the port to enable real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and data-driven optimisation of cargo flow.

Additionally, the Minister announced the deployment of the anti-drone system, marking India's first port-based drone detection and neutralisation system, specifically designed to protect critical infrastructure from aerial threats.

Furthermore, the port is developing commercial-scale green hydrogen and ammonia plans, targeting 2029 to establish itself as a future-ready bunkering center for green fuels like methanol and e-ammonia. The initiatives are rounded out by the adoption of sustainability tech, specifically the deployment of carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) facilities.

The investments are strategically focused on improving the physical movement of goods to substantially reduce overall logistics costs. Key initiatives include the ongoing outer harbour project, which aims to deepen the harbor to accommodate mega-vessels and increase total trade volumes.

Furthermore, there are upgrades to multimodal links, specifically improving rail and road connectivity to facilitate faster cargo evacuation to the industrial belts of Tuticorin, Tirunelveli, and Madurai. These developments follow the July 2025 dedication of north cargo berth-III by Prime Minister Modi, which has already successfully boosted the port’s bulk cargo capacity.