Sarbananda Sonowal dedicates Tuticorin International Terminal to the nation

The Union Minister also inaugurated key infra projects as well as laid foundation stones for several initiatives. The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the inauguration of Tuticorin International Container Terminal via video message. ..The PM further added that the new terminal is expected to reduce logistics costs at the port and save foreign exchange for India. Shri Sonowal also flagged off the maiden Container Vessel from the new TICT terminal marking the beginning of operation for one of significant port infrastructure project in the country.

The Union Minister also inaugurated the newly constructed Green Hydrogen Project, which he dubbed as a ‘major step towards realising PM Narendra Modi’s vision of making India global hub of Green Hydrogen’. Shri Sarbananda Sonowal also inaugurated a 400 kW Rooftop Solar Power Plant as part of the ‘Harit Sagar Green Port Initiative.’ The Union Minister also witnessed exchange of Land Lease Agreements for new ventures as the VOCPA expands its industrial landscape, unlocking huge potential for growth.

The Union Minister also inaugurated various other projects including the upgradation of 22 kV Circuit Breaker Panels at the Red Gate and Oil Jetty Control Rooms, commissioning of 24 High Mast Lights, and a Drone Surveillance System to enhance port safety. The Union Minister also laid foundations stone for the Green Hydrogen Demonstration Project, a 400 kW Rooftop Solar Power Plant, and the Link Conveyor System from Coal Jetty-I to the Coal Stockyard. Additionally, projects like the De-Addiction Centre and awareness artwork at Muthiapuram Bridge were launched under the port’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal also launched an ambitions campaign of VOCPA ‘Mission 50’ with an aim to handle 50 million tonnes of cargo by end of this fiscal, i.e., FY2024-25. Sonowal called upon all the workers and stakeholders to lend their best foot forward to realise this goal. The Minister also led a plantation drive at the VOC Orchard, as part of the nationwide campaign “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” launched by the Prime Minister earlier this year.

On the launch of CSR initiatives, the Minister emphasised the port’s commitment to work for the betterment of the society and give back through various means towards improvement of quality of lives of people.

The Tuticorin International Container Terminal (TICT), the VOCPA port’s third, is operated by JM Baxi Group. It boasts a draft of 14.20 meters, an overall length of 370 meters, and spans 10 hectares, including the berth and backup area. The terminal is equipped to handle 6 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) of containers, significantly bolstering the port’s cargo handling capacity. “The dedication of the Tuticorin International Container Terminal marks a significant step forward in India’s maritime development, aligning with our vision of modern, sustainable infrastructure. This terminal, along with the green energy initiatives and community-focused projects launched today, will not only enhance the efficiency of our ports but also foster inclusive growth, creating jobs and driving economic progress for the region and the nation,” said Shantanu Thakur, the Union Minister of State, Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW).

Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson of VOCPA, welcomed the attendees and outlined the port’s ongoing capacity enhancement projects, expressing optimism about future growth. The event was also graced by the presence of Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, Member of Parliament for the Thoothukudi Constituency; T. K. Ramachandran, Secretary, MoPSW.