**Policy Summary: Modernization of Ports in India**
This policy addresses the modernization and development of ports in India, with a specific focus on the eastern coast of Tamil Nadu. As of August 1, 2025, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways outlines the following key initiatives:
* **Chennai-Kamarajar-Cuddalore Port Cluster:** The Maritime India Vision 2030 aims to develop this cluster into a mega-port on the eastern coast by 2047, targeting a cargo handling capacity of over 300 million tonnes per annum.
* **Sagarmala Programme:** Under the Port Modernization pillar, 234 projects have been undertaken at a cost of Rs. 2,91,279 Cr. As of the report date, 104 projects worth Rs. 32,654 Cr. have been completed, and 55 projects worth Rs. 74,725 Cr. are under implementation.
* **Tamil Nadu as a Port and Shipping Hub:** The government is taking steps to establish Tamil Nadu as a key maritime hub in Asia. These steps include port modernization of Chennai, Ennore Kamarajar, and Tuticorin VO Chidambaranar ports, and investment in infrastructure connectivity such as rail and road linkages. The strategic location, deep-draft ports, and policy support further aim to support this goal.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways: A ministry in the Government of India responsible for ports, shipping, and waterways.
DR. T SUMATHY ALIAS THAMIZHACHI THANGAPANDIAN: Member of Parliament who raised the question in Lok Sabha.
Chennai-Kamarajar-Cuddalore cluster: A cluster of ports in Tamil Nadu planned for development as a mega port cluster.
Sagarmala Programme: An initiative by the Government of India for port-led development.
SHRI SARBANANDA SONOWAL: Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
Maritime India Vision 2030: A vision document outlining the goals and objectives for the maritime sector in India.
Tamil Nadu: A state in India, specifically mentioned as a target for becoming a Port and Shipping hub in Asia.
Chennai Port: A port located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, targeted for modernization.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2158
ANSWERED ON 01.08.2025
MODERNIZATION OF PORTS
2158. DR. T SUMATHY ALIAS THAMIZHACHI THANGAPANDIAN:
Will the Minister of PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS be pleased to state:
प(cid:517)न, पोत प(cid:303)रवहन एवं जलमाग(cid:330) मं(cid:361)ालय
(a) whether the Government has plans to develop the Chennai-Kamarajar-Cuddalore
cluster as one among the six port clusters as mega ports cluster by 2047, if so, the details
thereof;
(b) whether it is a fact that the modernization of Indian ports under Sagarmala, 234
projects at cost of Rs. 2,91,622 cr. have been undertaken for implementation and out of
the total 234 projects, 94 projects worth Rs. 31,517 cr. have been completed and 65
projects worth Rs. 79,958 cr. are under implementation, if so, the details thereof; and
(c) whether effective steps have been taken by the Government to make the eastern
coast in Tamil Nadu as a Port and Shipping hub in Asia, if so, the details thereof and if
not, reasons therefor?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
(SHRI SARBANANDA SONOWAL)
(a) Maritime India Vision 2030 envisions Chennai-Kamarajar-Cuddalore cluster to
become Mega Port in the eastern coast by 2047. This cluster is targeted to achieve a
cargo handling capacity of over 300 million tonners per annum by the year 2047.
(b) Under the Port Modernization pillar of Sagarmala Programme, a total of 234
projects at cost of Rs. 2,91,279Cr. have been undertaken for implementation and out of
234 projects, 104 projects worth Rs. 32,654Cr. have been completed and 55 projects
worth Rs. 74,725 Cr. are under implementation
(c) The key initiative of Government includes Port Modernisation of Chennai, Ennore
(Kamarajar), and Tuticorin (VO Chidambaranar) ports, and investment in infrastructure
connectivity such as rail and road linkages. Further, strategic location, deep-draft ports,
and policy support aim to position Tamil Nadu as a key maritime hub in Asia.
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