Port Infrastructure Gets a Boost in Chennai

Pooja 21
18 Oct, 2024

A new infrastructure project, valued at Rs 187.33 crore, has recently been inaugurated at the Chennai and Ennore Kamarajar ports, marking a significant advancement in enhancing container movement and boosting port infrastructure modernization and expansion. The initiative, led by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, aims to fortify maritime connectivity, positioning India as a vital player in the global trade landscape.

This project encompasses several key enhancements, including the construction of four new Exim godowns at the Chennai port, designed specifically to address the growing demand for efficient storage solutions for sensitive cargo. These godowns, which have been developed at a cost of Rs 73.91 crore under the Sagarmala Scheme, cover a substantial area of 18,000 square meters and are tailored to provide clean, dedicated storage spaces for important goods such as agricultural products and food grains. This development is a pivotal aspect of the broader initiative to expand trade capacity at major ports, ensuring that they can handle increasing cargo volumes effectively.

In addition to the new godowns, a newly constructed concrete road, developed at an investment of Rs 4 crore, has been laid to facilitate the smooth movement of heavy cargo and containers toward the second container terminal. This improvement is expected to significantly reduce dust pollution, contributing to a cleaner environment around the port area.

At the Kamarajar port in Ennore, significant work is underway to double the rail connectivity to accommodate the surging demands of Exim trade. This ambitious project, which costs Rs 88.91 crore, will involve the construction of three rail bridges over the Kosasthalaiyar River and the Buckingham Canal. Moreover, it will upgrade unmanned level crossings into interlocked crossings, thereby enhancing safety and operational efficiency. Once completed, this upgrade is anticipated to nearly double the port's rail handling capacity, increasing it from the current 22 rakes to an impressive 44 rakes per day.In line with the commitment to sustainable practices, a Shore Power Supply Facility has been incorporated into the project. This facility will enable coal vessels to operate without relying on diesel engines, thereby reducing carbon emissions and promoting greener operational practices in line with global environmental objectives. Collectively, these green port initiatives are designed to streamline trade operations and better meet the evolving demands of global commerce, while also ensuring alignment with environmental sustainability goals. The groundwork laid by this project prepares the ports to respond effectively to the challenges of modern trade while safeguarding environmental considerations.