India: Minister Inaugurates New Facilities at Chidambaranar Port

The Union Shipping Minister Shri G.K. Vasan today inaugurated new facilities at the V.O. Chidambaranar Port, Tuticorin, which includes the state of art Vessel Traffic Management System, Modern Green Gate Port Entry Complex and Occupational Health Centre at the Port Hospital.

In the presence of the minister, the representatives of the V.O. Chidambaranar Port Trust and M/s. Transtroy – OJSC Consortium, Hyderabad today signed a concession agreement for Development of North Cargo Berth-III at an estimated cost of Rs.420 crores for handling Thermal Coal and Rock Phosphate. This facility upon completion shall increase the capacity of the port by another 9.15 Million Tonnes per annum.

It is also proposed to dredge and deepen the area in front of the berth at an estimated cost of about Rs.448 crores to cater 12.8 metres draught vessels which is part of the Rs.1747 crores Inner Harbour dredging project. The present capacity of V.O. Chidambaranar Port Trust at 33.34 Million Tonnes is envisaged to increase to 85 Million Tonnes upon completion of Inner Harbour Development project.

Recently, the Minister had released the Detailed Project Report of the ambitious Outer Harbour Project. This will augment the port capacity by another 328 Million Tonnes. Upon completion of both the Inner Harbour development project currently underway and the proposed Outer Harbour Project, the capacity of V.O. Chidambaranar Port will increase to 413 Million Tonnes.

This will enable further economic development of its hinterland in the southern parts of the Country.

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Press Release, February 7, 2014