Prime Minister Narendra Modi Inaugurates Tuticorin International Container Terminal in Tamil Nadu V.O. Chidambaranar (V.O.C.) Port
“Tamil Nadu Emerges as a Major Hub for Maritime Trade” – PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a video address, inaugurated the Tuticorin International Container Terminal, marking a major milestone in India’s maritime and economic development. Praising the new terminal as the “new star of India’s marine infrastructure,” Modi highlighted the significant role it will play in enhancing the capacity of the V.O. Chidambaranar (V.O.C.) Port, one of Tamil Nadu’s key maritime assets.
Enhancing Maritime Capacity in Tamil Nadu
With a deep draft of more than 14 meters and a berth over 300 meters long, the Tuticorin International Container Terminal is expected to drastically enhance the operational capacity of the V.O.C. Port. Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance of this development in reducing logistics costs at the port and saving foreign exchange for India. This newly inaugurated terminal is set to bolster Tamil Nadu’s status as a vital hub for global maritime trade, with three major ports and seventeen non-major ports already positioned along its coastline.
“With these advancements, Tamil Nadu is not only boosting its own economy but also contributing significantly to India’s overall growth in the global supply chain,” PM Modi stated. He noted that Tamil Nadu’s robust maritime infrastructure has enabled it to become a leader in port-led development, with continued investments exceeding Rs 7,000 crore aimed at expanding capacity, including the construction of an Outer Harbour Container Terminal.
Commitment to Gender Diversity in Maritime Development
One of the standout features of the Tuticorin International Container Terminal is its commitment to gender diversity, with 40% of its workforce being women. Prime Minister Modi hailed this as a remarkable example of “women-led development” in the maritime sector, symbolizing India’s broader mission to promote inclusivity in key industries. “This is not just a port but a place where new aspirations are being realized for many women in the maritime sector,” he said.
Innovation and Sustainability: The Foundation of India’s Maritime Mission
During his address, Modi spotlighted India’s strategic focus on sustainable and forward-thinking development, emphasizing that India is showing the world a new path in these areas. He announced that the V.O.C. Port is poised to become a Green Hydrogen hub and a nodal port for offshore wind energy. These initiatives are part of India’s commitment to tackle global climate change challenges through innovative energy solutions.
“Innovation and collaboration are India’s greatest strengths on its development journey,” said Modi. He added that the Tuticorin terminal represents the collective efforts of government, private stakeholders, and local communities, further reinforcing India’s integrated approach to infrastructure development.
Strengthening India’s Global Trade Position
Modi emphasized the importance of strong logistics infrastructure in India’s economic rise. The V.O.C. Port, through the new terminal, will connect India more effectively with global markets, offering a network of roadways, highways, waterways, and airways that bolster India’s position as a major player in the global supply chain.
“With the completion of this terminal, India is becoming a major stakeholder in the global supply chain, and this growing capacity is the foundation of our economic growth,” Modi emphasized. He expressed optimism that this momentum would soon propel India to become the world’s third-largest economy, with Tamil Nadu playing a pivotal role in driving this progress.
Tamil Nadu’s Maritime Legacy: A Pillar of India’s Growth
In concluding his address, PM Modi acknowledged Tamil Nadu’s long-standing maritime tradition and its strategic significance for India’s economic growth. “The V.O.C. Port is ready to write a new chapter in the maritime development of India,” he affirmed, reiterating the central role the state will continue to play in driving national progress through maritime and logistics advancements.
Key Attendees
The inauguration event, though attended by the Prime Minister virtually, also saw key participation from local and central government officials, industry leaders, and maritime stakeholders. The event marked a significant step in reinforcing Tamil Nadu’s position as a leader in India’s maritime trade sector.
With the inauguration of the Tuticorin International Container Terminal, Tamil Nadu cements its place as a major maritime hub, boosting India’s global trade capacity. Prime Minister Modi emphasized sustainable development, gender diversity, and innovation as key drivers of this growth, reinforcing India’s role as a major player in the global supply chain.