The policy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is to make India the first country in the world to have a blue economy.
Based on this objective, projects are being implemented, and the Central Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, stated that by 2030, the cargo handling capacity of Indian ports will increase to 100 million tonnes.
He also inaugurated nine projects, including the newly established V. O. Chidambaranar Port in Thoothukudi, which includes a state-of-the-art port virtual model, as well as laying the foundation stones for 21 projects, including a coastal tourism project worth ₹12 crore in the port area, and the development of the port railway freight terminal. He also distributed welfare schemes to various organizations for the socio-economic development of the port.
He further stated that maritime trade is continuously improving in the country. In Tamil Nadu, infrastructure development projects worth over ₹3 lakh crore, including roads, railways, and ports, are being implemented. Thoothukudi Port is set to become the first green port in the country.
He also mentioned that the government is implementing various projects under the AMRIT Bharat and SAGARMAALA schemes in the railway sector.
He also stated that 111 projects worth ₹12,600 crore are being implemented in Tamil Nadu, benefiting a large number of people through schemes such as the Jal Jeevan Mission, the Prime Minister's Housing Scheme, and the Prime Minister's Kisan Samman Yojana.
He further stated that various works are being carried out to enhance the capacity of the V. O. Chidambaranar Port in Thoothukudi, including the development of the outer port. He mentioned that with the implementation of projects worth ₹15,000 crore, including the Outer Port Development Project, the port will undergo a significant expansion.
The Thoothukudi Port will be able to handle 35.97 million tonnes of cargo, and with the implementation of projects worth ₹15,000 crore, including the Outer Port Development Project, the depth of the port will increase to 18 metres, thereby increasing the port's capacity.
The 30,000 crore rupee shipbuilding facility will also be a milestone in the development of the sea in Thoothukudi.
The port will also be powered by hydrogen.
The government is giving priority to green energy projects. Projects such as wind and solar power generation are being implemented to convert the port into a green port.
With the implementation of these green energy projects, India will become a zero-carbon emission country by 2070.
The policy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is to make India the leading country in the world in maritime trade.
We are implementing the best development projects in maritime trade globally under the 2030 Maritime Trade Plan and the 2047 Maritime Trade Development Plan.