Parliament Question: Mini Multi-Purpose Port in Mayiladuthurai

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2197 ANSWERED ON 31.07.2026 MINI MULTI-PURPOSE PORT IN MAYILADUTHURAI

2197. 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 has any plan to set up a mini multi-purpose port in Mayiladuthurai Parliamentary Constituency which has more than 75 km. coastline and given the rich maritime trade legacy of this part of the east coast;

(b) whether the Government proposes to conduct a survey to study the feasibility of a mini multi-purpose port in at least Tranquebar and Poompuhar as they are ideal for miniports;

(c) whether there is any study being done or proposed to consider the trade, tourism, business and shipbuilding potential of the coasts of Mayiladuthurai Constituency; and

(d) whether the Government has any proposal to study the possibility of creating a short- stop navigation route along the east coast connecting big, medium and small ports on the east coast for domestic trade? ANSWER MINISTER OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS (SHRI SARBANANDA SONOWAL)

(a) & (b) Ports other than Major Ports (OTMP), also known as non-major or minor ports, are under the administrative control of the respective State Governments and their development falls within the State’s jurisdiction and responsibility. As per information furnished by the Government of Tamil Nadu, the existing ports at Nagapattinam, Karaikal and Thirukkadaiyur are adequately serving the maritime and logistics requirements of Mayiladuthurai region and surrounding districts. Accordingly, there is no proposal at present for development of a mini multi-purpose port at Mayiladuthurai, including at Tranquebar (Tharangambadi) or Poompuhar and no survey or feasibility study for the same is under consideration.

(c) & (d) No such proposal is under consideration. *****