The Hindu Business Line : Tuticorin port on course for major expansion

Madurai, July 12 Tuticorin Port celebrated its 34th Foundation Day on July 11. Declared as a major port in 1974, the erstwhile anchorage port and the Tuticorin New Harbour were integrated in 1979 with the constitution of Tuticorin Port Trust Board.

Subsequently, a number of developments took place with the increase in traffic. From a modest 10.35 lakh tonnes during 1974-75, the port has grown to handle 218.4 lakh tonnes during 2007-08. It has secured the third position among the major Indian ports in terms of growth rate — 19.33 per cent — during 2007-08. It has handled 4,50,398 TEUs during 2007-08, registering 19.44 per cent growth, said Mr A. Subbaiah, Vice-Chairman, Tuticorin Port Trust, in a release.

Currently, under the National Maritime Development Programme, the Government has sanctioned several projects to the tune of Rs 4,571.25 crore for development. Under Phase-I, 17 projects with an outlay of Rs 961.25 crore are under implementation. Under Phase-II, seven projects with an outlay of Rs 3,610 crore are to be implemented. The schemes approved include the construction of North Cargo Berth No.1 at an outlay of Rs 40 crore, capital dredging project at an outlay of Rs 538 crore, and an in-principle approval for the development of an Outer Harbour under public-private partnership.

Future projects envisaged include development of 129 acres in the Hare Island adjoining Red Gate of the port to handle dusty cargo, with a separate 2-km railway line, an eco park and a buffer zone; a special economic zone in 160 acres of port land for agriculture-oriented and food processing units, textiles, non-polluting industries and hi-tech industries with provision of water, road and electricity; and a request to the Tamil Nadu Government for transfer of an additional 2,185 acres for expansion of the port estate.

Related Stories:
Tuticorin port exceeds target
Tuticorin Port seeks better rail connectivity
Cabinet clears Tuticorin port channel deepening project