Tamil Nadu: Projects Worth Rs 231 Crore Unveiled At VOC Port In Tuticorin

A host of development projects worth Rs 231.21 crore were unveiled on 30 September at VO Chidambaranar (VOC) Port Trust in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.

The project inaugurated include foundation stone for inner Harbour development works (Widening the Port Entrance and dredging the widened portion), upgraded Coal Yard Road and Drainage, fixed fire fighting system at Oil Jetty, strengthened 22 KV HT Electrical Network and the Optical Fibre connectivity.

To further improve the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB), a Drive Through Container Scanner and 140 MT Electronic in-motion Weigh Bridge was also inaugurated.

Built at a cost of Rs 46.26 crore, the Drive Through Container Scanner will be able to scan 100 vehicles per hour. It will increase port efficiency and greatly improve EoDB for EXIM trade.

On the Welfare front, the Minister laid the foundation stone for Integrative Medicine and AYUSH Unit and VOC Maritime Heritage Museum at a total cost of Rs.1.78 crore.

The Port Information Centre is a treasure house of knowledge about the rich heritage of the VO Chidambaranar port.

Green Initiative

In line with the Net Zero initiatives, the Minister also inaugurated an array of Green Port projects like 100 per cent Conversion into LED Lights, Induction of e-Cars, and a 140 KW Solar Roof Top Solar Power Plant.

Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister also laid foundation stone for 2 MW Wind Farm, 400 KW Solar Roof Top Solar Power Plant and public EV Charging Stations.

The inclusive Green Port initiatives taken by the VOC Port will set standards across all major ports to increase the share of renewable energy to more than 60 per cent by 2030.

Vessel Traffic System

The main highlight of the event, was the inauguration of the Smart Port Projects. Built at a cost of Rs 2.29 crore, it is India’s first indigenously developed Vessel Traffic System (VTS).

VTS is a software which determines vessel positions, position of other traffic or meteorological hazard warnings and extensive management of traffic within a port or waterway.

These systems contribute to safety of life at sea, safety and efficiency of navigation and protection of the marine environment, adjacent shore areas, work sites and offshore installations from possible adverse effects of maritime traffic.

The development of indigenous system would eliminate the need of relying on proprietary and costly foreign made software solutions.

Transshipment Hub

VO Chidambaranar Port Trust, formerly Tuticorin Port Trust, is one of the 12 major ports in India. It is second-largest port in Tamil Nadu.

This Port is located strategically close to the East-West International Sea routes, in the Gulf of Mannar on the South Eastern coast of India.

It is the most strategically located for trans-shipment being close to international maritime routes; with an excellent ecosystem, and good labour relations and operational efficiency.

Sonowal affirmed that government would take all efforts to transform VOC port as the Transshipment hub of East Coast of India by developing the Outer Harbour Project, as announced by Prime Minister in early 2022.

The outer harbour development of VOC port has been taken-up on an outlay of Rs 7,500 crore under the centre’s ‘Gati Shakti’ programme, which will ensure hassle-free movement of larger cargo vessels.

Under the project, two more container terminals would be created in VOC Port besides widening the entry point from existing 150 m to 230 m and deepening the draft up to 16 m, in the first phase through PPP mode.

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