The Tuticorin Port, despite the economic slowdown, handled 198.5 lakh tonnes this fiscal year so far, 4 per cent more than that of the corresponding period previous year, said Mr A. Subbiah, Chairman, Tuticorin Port Trust (TPT), while unfurling the national flag at the 62nd Republic Day celebration at the Port Trust.

Outlining the challenges in infrastructure development, he said the port sector has undertaken development schemes under the National Maritime Development Programme. The Union Minister of Shipping laid the foundation stone for development of the North Cargo Berth-II for handling coal and bulk cargoes and also the passenger terminal recently, he mentioned.

The port has taken up inner harbour development to augment 12.8 m draught vessels at a cost of Rs 538 crore. The port plans to develop Hare Island for the storage of bulk cargo.

To improve productivity of the port, high capacity shore cranes have been commissioned.

The port handles cargoes such as fertiliser and fertiliser raw materials for the development of agriculture, and consumer cargo like edible oil, pulses, raw sugar, coal, etc. The port also handles project cargo like windmill accessories.

The port is working at the optimum cost, with quick turn round of vessels and high productivity.

The port expects to double its capacity within three years. It plans to develop North Cargo Berth-III and IV at a cost of Rs 775 crores, he added.

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