VOC Port sets record for fertiliser dispatch by rail

V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority has recorded its highest-ever fertiliser dispatch by rail by a single agent, with Raja Agencies sending 100 wagons carrying 6,376.9 tonnes of fertiliser from the port, setting a new benchmark for rail-based cargo evacuation at the Thoothukudi port.

The consignment comprised DAP, MOP and NPK fertilisers and was dispatched to four destinations: Haveri, Sannath Nagar, Bellari and Katpadi. The port said the record reflects its continued focus on strengthening rail logistics, improving operational efficiency and ensuring the seamless movement of essential fertiliser cargo to inland destinations.

The port credited the coordination and support of Raja Agencies and other stakeholders for the achievement.

The record adds to a strong run for the port. On 5 September, VOC Port recorded its highest-ever single-day cargo handling of 217,332 tonnes, surpassing the previous record of 216,631 tonnes set on 18 February. In August, it handled 3.54 million tonnes of cargo, up 9.36 per cent from 3.23 million tonnes a year earlier, while cargo handled between April and August stood at 18.27 million tonnes, up 2.10 per cent year-on-year.

VOC Port handles a diverse cargo mix, including coal, thermal coal, limestone, sulphuric acid, palm oil, sugar, general cargo, windmill blades and containerised cargo. It is equipped with Harbour Mobile Cranes for bulk handling, and is expanding capacity through the upgrade of Berth No. 7 into a modern container terminal, the development of Multi Cargo Berth No. 10, the mechanisation of North Cargo Berth-III for dry bulk handling, and an additional 40-acre customs bond area for cargo storage and evacuation. The port is headed by chairperson Susanta Kumar Purohit, who also holds additional charge of Paradip Port Authority.