Tamil Nadu Seeks Railway Link To Twin Ports In Cuddalore

30 Mar 2026 CW Team

TNMB has sought approval and execution of a one point six five km rail line on railway land, saying seamless connectivity is critical to the project's commercial viability. The board said the link would allow efficient interchange between port handling facilities and the national rail network, reducing transit times and costs. Feasibility work considered routing constraints and ways to minimise disruption to existing services.

Feasibility studies by ITCOT and MGR Infra Techno Economic Services have affirmed the technical and commercial viability of the proposed development and informed the board's requests to rail authorities. The studies highlighted that hinterland linkages and modal integration are essential to realise anticipated cargo volumes and to ensure long term sustainability. The plan envisages two ports within a five km radius in Cuddalore with the existing minor port to be revived as a brownfield facility serving small vessels and barges.

In 2023 the railway ministry granted permission to conduct a final location survey for a seven km rail link from the port to Cuddalore junction and greenfield port development works have already started. TNMB officials expect initial operations to begin within 12 months and full operating capacity to be reached within 24 months, subject to timely delivery of rail works. They said the rail connection will be decisive in enabling trade growth across neighbouring districts and have called for integrated planning so that port development, rail works and regional logistics evolve in concert.

The Tamil Nadu Maritime Board (TNMB) has approached Indian Railways (IR) to secure rail connectivity for the existing Cuddalore Port and a proposed greenfield port nearby as part of efforts to revive maritime activity along the central coast. The board said the greenfield port is expected to boost cargo throughput, generating five mn t of additional traffic annually for Southern Railway (SR) within three years of full scale operations. Officials framed the link as vital to unlocking freight potential. They urged coordination between state agencies and rail authorities. TNMB has sought approval and execution of a one point six five km rail line on railway land, saying seamless connectivity is critical to the project's commercial viability. The board said the link would allow efficient interchange between port handling facilities and the national rail network, reducing transit times and costs. Feasibility work considered routing constraints and ways to minimise disruption to existing services. Feasibility studies by ITCOT and MGR Infra Techno Economic Services have affirmed the technical and commercial viability of the proposed development and informed the board's requests to rail authorities. The studies highlighted that hinterland linkages and modal integration are essential to realise anticipated cargo volumes and to ensure long term sustainability. The plan envisages two ports within a five km radius in Cuddalore with the existing minor port to be revived as a brownfield facility serving small vessels and barges. In 2023 the railway ministry granted permission to conduct a final location survey for a seven km rail link from the port to Cuddalore junction and greenfield port development works have already started. TNMB officials expect initial operations to begin within 12 months and full operating capacity to be reached within 24 months, subject to timely delivery of rail works. They said the rail connection will be decisive in enabling trade growth across neighbouring districts and have called for integrated planning so that port development, rail works and regional logistics evolve in concert.

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