78th Independence Day of India was celebrated in Chennai Port Authority

78^thIndependence Day of India was celebrated in Chennai Port Authority on 15.08.2024 at Babu Jagajivan Ram Sports Complex, Tondiarpet, Chennai. All the events were organised in the spirit of togetherness, with various cultural performances, showcasing our heritage with the sense of national pride. 

Shri Sunil Paliwal, IAS, Chairperson, hoisted the National Flag, inspected the Guard of Honour and addressed the gathering. During the address, Chairperson briefed on the achievements and future plans of the Chennai Port and its subsidiary Kamarajar Port Limited, highlighting the various welfare measures taken for Port Users, Port employees&their family and for the Port Community. He also further briefed regardingthe initiatives taken by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways for the progress of the Port and the hinterland in the State of Tamil Nadu as a whole.

Chairperson, in his address, highlighted that Chennai Port has achieved an increase in cargo handling of 5.4%with respect to previous year, in spite of stiff competition, recording a Net Surplus of Rs.201.47 Cr for the year 2023-24. 

It was also informed that the cargo handled at Kamarajar Port Limited during 2023-24 has recorded an increase of 4% compared to previous year, with nett surplus crossing 500 cr. Both Chennai port and Kamarajar port have achieved an operational revenue of over 1000crs for the year 2023-24. 

It was also highlighted that this year marks the 25th anniversary of Kamarajar Port Limited and also Kamarajar Port was felicitated for completing 25 years of service to the trade.

Chairperson added that as a major community initiative, the infrastructure of Tondiarpet Housing Colony and Chennai Port and Dock Educational Trust Higher Secondary School (ChPDET)have been revamped.  Babu Jagajivan Ram Stadium has been given a major facelift after addition of Sports and Games facilities. The stadium has been made open for general public along with Port Employees & their families. Besides, a School & Vocational Centre for special children have also been introduced in collaboration with the NGO, “Swabhodhini”.Chairperson appreciated the Deputy Chairperson and the Team that worked towards creating a new facility for the special children. Chairperson exhorted all to strive towards making Swabhodhini School and Vocational centre the best in Chennai. 

Chairperson has also presented Laptop & Cash awards to School Toppers of 10^th& 12^th Classes of ChPDET School, to inspire the students.

Shri S.Viswanathan, IAS, Deputy Chairperson, Shri S. Murali Krishnan, IDAS, Chief Vigilance Officer, Chennai Port Authority Board members, Heads of the Departments, Trade Union Leaders, Port Users, Officers &Staff of Chennai Port Authority and Teachers &Students of Chennai Port School participated in the celebration.