SCI to Launch Kandla–Thoothukudi Coastal Container Route
PORTS & SHIPPING

SCI to Launch Kandla–Thoothukudi Coastal Container Route

The Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) is set to launch a new coastal container shipping service linking Kandla Port in Gujarat and VOC Port in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, through the re-routing of its SMILE (SCI Middle East India Liner Express) service.

The revised port rotation will be: Pipavav – Kandla – Tuticorin (Thoothukudi) – Cochin – Pipavav, with the first vessel scheduled to call at Thoothukudi on 16 June. This move is expected to enhance coastal connectivity between the western and southern coasts of India, boosting the movement of key commodities.

According to the VOC Port Authority, the new route will help transport raw cotton and chemicals from Gujarat, while solar panels, tyres, and machinery spares will be shipped from Tamil Nadu, making logistics more efficient and reducing reliance on road transport.

Currently, the SMILE service connects Cochin, Tuticorin, Colombo, Mundra, Jebel Ali, Pipavav, Hazira, and Cochin, focusing on both coastal and international transhipment.

The plan was finalised during discussions between Susanta Kumar Purohit, Chairperson of VOC Port Authority, and Rear Admiral Jaswinder Singh (Retd), Director (Liner and Passenger Services) at SCI, along with senior officials from both organisations.

As of the latest market close, SCI shares on the NSE ended at Rs 210.69, down Rs 4.44, marking a 2.06 per cent decline.

This service aligns with India’s broader Sagarmala programme, aimed at improving port-led connectivity and reducing logistics costs across the country.

Your next big infra connection is waiting at RAHSTA 2025 – Asia’s Biggest Roads & Highways Expo, Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai. Don’t miss out!

The Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) is set to launch a new coastal container shipping service linking Kandla Port in Gujarat and VOC Port in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, through the re-routing of its SMILE (SCI Middle East India Liner Express) service.The revised port rotation will be: Pipavav – Kandla – Tuticorin (Thoothukudi) – Cochin – Pipavav, with the first vessel scheduled to call at Thoothukudi on 16 June. This move is expected to enhance coastal connectivity between the western and southern coasts of India, boosting the movement of key commodities.According to the VOC Port Authority, the new route will help transport raw cotton and chemicals from Gujarat, while solar panels, tyres, and machinery spares will be shipped from Tamil Nadu, making logistics more efficient and reducing reliance on road transport.Currently, the SMILE service connects Cochin, Tuticorin, Colombo, Mundra, Jebel Ali, Pipavav, Hazira, and Cochin, focusing on both coastal and international transhipment.The plan was finalised during discussions between Susanta Kumar Purohit, Chairperson of VOC Port Authority, and Rear Admiral Jaswinder Singh (Retd), Director (Liner and Passenger Services) at SCI, along with senior officials from both organisations.As of the latest market close, SCI shares on the NSE ended at Rs 210.69, down Rs 4.44, marking a 2.06 per cent decline.This service aligns with India’s broader Sagarmala programme, aimed at improving port-led connectivity and reducing logistics costs across the country.

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Indian Railways Marks New Milestone with 4.5 km Long ‘Rudrastra’ Trial

Indian Railways has successfully conducted the trial run of Asia’s longest freight train, named ‘Rudrastra’, achieving a new milestone in cargo transportation, as per news reports. The 4.5 km-long train began its trial from Ganjkhwaja railway station in Chandauli, Uttar Pradesh, and travelled to Garhwa in Jharkhand. Covering a distance of 209 km in 5 hours and 10 minutes, it maintained an average speed of 40.5 km per hour. The train was formed by combining three long-haul racks, with ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

UltraTech Launches India’s First On-Site Hybrid RTC Renewable Energy Project

UltraTech Cement has operationalised a 7.5 MW round-the-clock (RTC) hybrid renewable energy project at its Sewagram Cement Works in Gujarat. The first-of-its-kind solution combines bifacial solar modules with trackers, wind energy and battery storage, co-located on-site, to ensure uninterrupted power for cement manufacturing without grid reliance. The project was executed in collaboration with clean energy solutions provider Gentari. Installed as a behind-the-meter system, it is the country..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Patna Metro Trials Successful, Red Line Priority Corridor to Launch This Month

Patna is set to roll out its first metro rail service later this month, with successful trial runs conducted on the Red Line priority corridor, the Patna Metro Rail Corporation announced.On 7 September, a metro train completed a test run between the Patna depot and Bhootnath station. Officials said the trials involved rigorous checks of rolling stock fitness, overhead electrification (OHE), and track alignment and stability to ensure operational safety and performance.The corridor from the New Pataliputra Bus Terminal to Bhoothnath has been designated as the priority stretch and will be the fi..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?