Tuticorin, Apr 4 The V O Chidambaranar Port Trust here achieved an all time high record traffic of 25.73 million tonnes for the year 2010-11 surpassing the previous record of 23.79 million tonnes handled in 2009-10 - a growth of 8.16 per cent.

The port handled 4,67,752 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) surpassing previous years container traffic of 4,39,948 TEUs registering a growth rate of 6.32 per cent, port sources said.

The record cargo handling performance of the port is 2.38 per cent higher than the target of 25.13 million tonnes set by the Ministry. The container traffic is 5.11 per cent more than the target of 4,45,000 TEUs set by the Ministry.

The port registered an all time high operating income of Rs 259.89 crore and net surplus (after tax) of Rs 101.30 crore. This is the first time, the Port has achieved more than Rs 100 crore net surplus.

The capital dredging project for dredging and deepening the approach channel and basin to cater to 12.8 meters draught vessels from the existing 10.7 meters at an estimated cost of Rs 538 crore is currently under progress and is expected to be completed next year.

As per the orders of Supreme Court, the project of conversion of 8th berth container terminal at an estimated cost of Rs 312.12 crore shall be taken up to augment additional container handling capacity of the port.

One more shallow water berth for handling cement at an estimated cost of Rs 80 crore and mechanisation of berths at an estimated cost of Rs 80.10 crore are envisaged.

A passenger terminal with attendant facilities for immigration, customs, medical examination and first aid, baggage examination, VIP lounge, arrival/departure lounges, fire fighting, security and CCTV system, parking facility at an estimated cost of Rs 2.25 crore has been provided for commencement of the passenger shipping service between Tuticorin and Colombo.

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