In a move to enhance maritime efficiency and capacity, projects worth over Rs 148 crore were launched at Chennai and Kamarajar ports in Tamil Nadu by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal.
He inaugurated three new projects worth Rs 56 crore at Chennai Port and another project at Kamarajar Port worth Rs 92 crore, as per Economic Times report.
Under the Green Port Initiative of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) — a 40 KLD (Kilo litres per day) sewage treatment plant was inaugurated at Chennai port — to allow for the reuse of treated waste water.
A bunker berth at the Bharathi Dock, Goods Shed yard was inaugurated at Jolarpet. The 182-metre bunker berth project is part of the Sagarmala initiative of MoPSW.
It will add a capacity of 1 million metric tonne per annum (MMTPA) and accommodate bunker tankers up to 10,000 DWT.
This infrastructure will cater to the bunkering requirements of Chennai, Kamarajar, and Katupalli’s regional ports and other neighbouring vessels passing by.
Further, the Amrit Mahotsav Marg, which runs 4.8 km from Vallur junction to NCTPS junction, was built to improve connectivity of the access road to Kamarajar Port.
During his speech in the state, Sonowal emphasised the significance of the state’s marine trade history as a foundation for India’s economic growth and development.
He mentioned the importance of creating an independent and self-sustaining India, which is the driving force behind the government’s initiatives toward the marine sector.
The projects that were inaugurated in Tamil Nadu are expected to play a critical role in transforming the marine sector into a profitable trade industry.
Out of the total projects under Sagarmala initiative, 108 projects worth Rs 1.46 lakh crore are being implemented in Tamil Nadu.
Of these, 43 projects worth Rs 34,752 crore have already been completed, while 34 projects worth Rs 67,759 crore are under implementation and 31 projects are under various stages of development.
India And Russia To Open Up ‘Chennai-Vladivostok Maritime Corridor’
The Union Minister also underlined the ongoing discussion between India and Russia to open up ‘Chennai-Vladivostok Maritime Corridor’ in order to bolster the maritime trade between the two countries.
In a bid to deepen India’s special relationship with Russia and tap into the vast potential of the blue economy, India is exploring the possibility of opening this corridor.
Sonowal said, “India is in talks with Russia to open up Chennai-Vladivostok Maritime Corridor to further the special relationship between the two countries while unlocking the huge trade potential in blue economy. Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, India affirms its commitment to rejuvenate its trade & investment potential to propel the growth of India.”
He added, “This corridor will serve this purpose acting as a conduit of growth & investment cooperation between two historic cities with rich marine history – Chennai and Vladivostok – of the two countries.”