New Delhi: Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal launched and laid foundation stones for ₹1,500 crore worth of VOC Port projects at V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority in Tuticorin on February 23, 2026, marking a major push for green energy and digital modernisation.
The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways inaugurated the VOC Maritime Heritage Museum and rolled out a series of infrastructure, renewable energy and technology initiatives. These VOC Port projects covered rail and road upgrades, power systems, solar and wind integration, battery storage, green hydrogen production, safety systems and digital platforms.
A key highlight was the opening of the Maritime Heritage Museum, dedicated to India’s maritime legacy and freedom fighter V.O. Chidambaranar. Officials said the museum would serve as a cultural and educational landmark for southern Tamil Nadu. It is expected to promote tourism and raise awareness of the Coromandel Coast’s maritime history.
Sonowal said the VOC Port projects aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Maritime Vision 2047. “The projects reflect the government’s focus on port-led development under Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji’s Maritime Vision 2047 and aim to strengthen VOC Port’s position as a green and technologically advanced maritime hub,” he said.
Digital systems and green expansion anchor VOC Port projects
The port deployed India’s first comprehensive Digital Twin platform for real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance. In addition, authorities installed an anti-drone system to secure critical infrastructure.
VOC Port also became the first Indian port to produce and use green hydrogen on-site. A pilot project has operated since late 2025. Officials plan commercial-scale production by 2029. Integrated renewable initiatives and green methanol facilities are under development. Partnerships in e-ammonia and carbon capture, utilisation and storage are also progressing.
The event followed recent milestones, including the commissioning of three new berths in the past 18 months. Among them was North Cargo Berth-III, dedicated by Prime Minister Modi in July 2025, which expanded bulk cargo capacity. Work on the Outer Harbour project is advancing to handle larger vessels and boost trade volumes.
Operational performance improved alongside these VOC Port projects. From April 2025 to January 2026, cargo handling rose 6% to 35.97 million tonnes. January alone recorded 4 million tonnes. Container volumes increased 9.4% to over 716,000 TEUs due to process reforms and added equipment.
Sonowal said the initiatives would reduce logistics costs and spur industrial growth in Tuticorin, Tirunelveli and Madurai districts. He added that the projects would generate employment and attract investment.
Susanta Kumar Purohit, Chairperson of VOC Port Authority, said the port was strengthening its role in regional prosperity through infrastructure, digitisation and green innovation.
