Tamil Nadu Seeks Central Aid for Port Development

E V Velu, the Minister for Public Works, which includes buildings, highways, and minor ports, has requested financial assistance from the central government to foster the development of non-major ports in Tamil Nadu. Speaking at a roadshow in preparation for the upcoming three-day Global Maritime India Summit, Velu emphasised the positive impact of the VOC port expansion project on the state's economy and job creation. He called for similar recognition and funding for the development of additional ports in the region.Sunil Paliwal, Chairperson of the Chennai Port Authority, stressed the importance of addressing capacity constraints at ports to maintain competitiveness in handling substantial shipments.Tamil Nadu boasts three of India's 12 major ports, making it a crucial location for attracting investments in the maritime sector. S Krishnan, Additional Chief Secretary of the Industries, Investment Promotion, and Commerce Department, emphasised the state's vast peninsular coastline and its potential as a desirable destination for cruise tourism.These ports play a pivotal role in supplying coal to thermal power plants, and the central government aims to promote Tamil Nadu as a bunker hub. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, noted that a series of projects are already underway to realise this goal.This appeal for central assistance underscores Tamil Nadu's ambition to further develop its maritime infrastructure, enhance economic growth, and solidify its position as a prominent player in India's port and shipping sector.