By TIOL News Service

NEW DELHI, SEP 17, 2024: THE Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal dedicated the Tuticorin International Container Terminal (TICT) to the nation at the VO Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA) here today. The Union Minister also inaugurated key infra projects as well as laid foundation stones for several initiatives.

The Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the inauguration of Tuticorin International Container Terminal via video message today. Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister underlined that today marks a significant milestone in India's journey towards becoming a developed nation and hailed the new Tuticorin International Container Terminal as the 'new star of India's marine infrastructure'. Highlighting its role in expanding the capacity of the V.O. Chidambaranar Port, the Prime Minister said, "With a deep draft of more than 14 meters and a berth over 300 meters long, this terminal will play a crucial role in enhancing the capacity of the V.O.C. port." The PM further added that the new terminal is expected to reduce logistics costs at the port and save foreign exchange for India. He congratulated the people of Tamil Nadu and recalled several projects related to V.O.C. Port that had been initiated during his visit two years ago. He expressed satisfaction with the rapid completion. He emphasized that one of the terminal's key achievements is its commitment to gender diversity with 40% of its employees being women, symbolizing women-led Development in the maritime sector.

Sonowal also flagged off the maiden Container Vessel from the new TICT terminal marking the beginning of operation for one of significant port infrastructure project in the country. The port has been developed with an investment of more than Rs.434 crores, with a capacity to handle 6 lakh TEUs annually. The terminal has a draft of 14.20 meters which allows it to accommodate container vessels of up to 10,000 TEUs.

The Union Minister also inaugurated the newly constructed Green Hydrogen Project, which he dubbed as a 'major step towards realising PM Narendra Modi's vision of making India global hub of Green Hydrogen'. Sarbananda Sonowal also inaugurated a 400 kW Rooftop Solar Power Plant as part of the 'Harit Sagar Green Port Initiative.' The Union Minister also witnessed exchange of Land Lease Agreements for new ventures as the VOCPA expands its industrial landscape, unlocking huge potential for growth.

PM Modi spoke about India's broader maritime mission, which extends beyond infrastructure development. "India is showing the world the path to sustainable and forward-thinking development," he said, pointing out that the V.O.C. Port is being recognised as a Green Hydrogen hub and a nodal port for offshore wind energy. These initiatives will play a significant role in tackling the global challenges of climate change.

Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal said, "India is on cruise to becoming world's top marine power. Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, the marine sector has received tremendous boost to modernise, mechanise and digitise our assets in order to drive efficiency and productivity. Today, this initiative got another shot in the arm as our effort towards providing a smooth & swift service for the trading community lead to the growth of EXIM trade, ultimately contributing to the growth of India's wealth. This new terminal will reduce delays, bypass transshipment and economise operations by saving upto USD 200 per container. This will optimise our cost of operation by up to USD 4 million annually. Completed ahead of schedule, this terminal is a landmark achievement in the First 100 days of PM Narendra Modi ji led NDA Government. Our workforce, which is the backbone of our ports, are very hardworking and I want to commend them for their work. It is heartening to know that this port has been instrumental in creating employment. To recognise the power of Nari Shakti, at least 40% of workforce should be women which will greatly contribute towards inclusive growth."

The Union Minister also inaugurated various other projects including the upgradation of 22 kV Circuit Breaker Panels at the Red Gate and Oil Jetty Control Rooms, commissioning of 24 High Mast Lights, and a Drone Surveillance System to enhance port safety. The Union Minister also laid foundations stone for the Green Hydrogen Demonstration Project, a 400 kW Rooftop Solar Power Plant, and the Link Conveyor System from Coal Jetty-I to the Coal Stockyard. Additionally, projects like the De-Addiction Centre and awareness artwork at Muthiapuram Bridge were launched under the port's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

The Minister witnessed the signing of land lease agreements with major companies, including ACME and Green Infra-Renewable Energy Farms Pvt Ltd, Renew e-Fuels Private Limited, and Amplus Ganges Solar Private Limited. With these initiatives, the drive towards developing sustainable energy in the region will get a major boost, confided Sonowal.

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal also launched an ambitions campaign of VOCPA 'Mission 50' with an aim to handle 50 million tonnes of cargo by end of this fiscal, i.e., FY2024-25. Sonowal called upon all the workers and stakeholders to lend their best foot forward to realise this goal. The Minister also led a plantation drive at the VOC Orchard, as part of the nationwide campaign "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" launched by the Prime Minister earlier this year.

Sarbananda Sonowal also lauded the VOCPA's effort to ramp up renewable energy production via the new Green Hydrogen Demonstration Project and the 400 kW Rooftop Solar Power plant. Sarbananda Sonowal exuded confidence when he said,  "These initiatives are in line with the vision of our dynamic Prime Minister Narendra Modiji of transforming India into the global hub of Green Hydrogen. These projects will attract new investments and fuel economic growth while advancing India's renewable energy objectives."

On the launch of CSR initiatives, the Minister emphasised the port's commitment to work for the betterment of the society and give back through various means towards improvement of quality of lives of people. The launch of initiatives like the De-addiction Centre and the Muthiapuram Bridge artwork reflects the port's commitment to local welfare. "The well-being of communities is integral to national development, and I am pleased to see VOCPA taking steps that will positively impact the lives of people in this region," Sarbananda Sonowal concluded.

The Tuticorin International Container Terminal (TICT), the VOCPA port's third, is operated by JM Baxi Group. It boasts a draft of 14.20 meters, an overall length of 370 meters, and spans 10 hectares, including the berth and backup area. The terminal is equipped to handle 6 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) of containers, significantly bolstering the port's cargo handling capacity.

"The dedication of the Tuticorin International Container Terminal marks a significant step forward in India's maritime development, aligning with our vision of modern, sustainable infrastructure. This terminal, along with the green energy initiatives and community-focused projects launched today, will not only enhance the efficiency of our ports but also foster inclusive growth, creating jobs and driving economic progress for the region and the nation," said Shantanu Thakur, the Union Minister of State, Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW).

Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson of VOCPA, welcomed the attendees and outlined the port's ongoing capacity enhancement projects, expressing optimism about future growth. The event was also graced by the presence of Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, Member of Parliament for the Thoothukudi Constituency; T. K. Ramachandran, Secretary, MoPSW.