Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 2409, answered on 13.02.2026, concerns the development of minor ports in Tamil Nadu. KM. Sudha R. asked the Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways whether the Government proposes to develop Tranquebar and Sirkali as minor ports, whether the Government has any plans to develop training centers or institutes in Mayiladuthurai Parliamentary Constituency, and the details of funds allocated, since 2020, for undertaking studies to create minor ports along the country’s coastline.
Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal responded that minor ports are under the administrative control of the respective State Governments. Based on information from the Government of Tamil Nadu, there is no proposal to develop Tranquebar and Sirkali as minor ports. The Government of Tamil Nadu has not provided any details or plans to develop training centers or institutes in Mayiladuthurai Parliamentary Constituency and there is no proposal under consideration by the Government of India. No funds have been allocated since 2020.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways: The central ministry responsible for ports and shipping infrastructure in India, answering questions related to port development.
Tamil Nadu: The state in India where the proposed minor port developments are being considered.
Lok Sabha: The lower house of the Parliament of India where the question regarding port development was raised.
Minor Ports: Non-major ports, development is under the administrative control of the respective State Governments.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2409
ANSWERED ON 13.02.2026
DEVELOPMENT OF MINOR PORTS IN TAMIL NADU
2409. KM. SUDHA R:
Will the Minister of PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS be pleased to state:
प(cid:517)न,पोत प(cid:303)रवहन और जलमाग(cid:330) मं(cid:361)ी
a) whether the Government proposes to develop Tranquebar and Sirkali as minor
ports so as to invigorate the regional coastal economy;
(b) whether the Government has any plans to develop training centres or institutes
to create a pool of talented experts in Mayiladuthurai Parliamentary Constituency’s
coastal regions in ship building and ship breaking trades, given the fact that the
region was part of the Great Chola’s naval exploits; and
(c) the details of funds allocated, since 2020, for undertaking studies to create minor
ports along the country’s coastline?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
(SHRI SARBANANDA SONOWAL)
(a) to (b) The Ports other than Major Ports (OTMS), also known as non-major ports
or 'minor' ports, are under the administrative control of the respective State
Governments. The development of these ports are under the administrative control
of the respective State Governments. As per information furnished by the
Government of Tamil Nadu, at present there is no proposal to develop Tranquebar
and Sirkali as notified 'minor' ports. Further, Government of Tamil Nadu has not
provided any details or plans to develop training centres or institutes in
Mayiladuthurai Parliamentary Constituency in ship building and ship breaking
trades. At present, no proposal is under consideration of the Government of India to
develop training centres or institutes in Mayiladuthurai Parliamentary Constituency in
ship building and ship breaking trades.
(c) No fund has been allocated.
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