The newly launched initiatives include upgrades to rail and road connectivity, power infrastructure strengthening, renewable energy systems, and advanced safety mechanisms. The projects aim to enhance cargo handling capacity and improve logistics efficiency across southern Tamil Nadu.
Officials said the developments align with the Centre’s port-led development strategy under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Maritime Vision 2047. The expansion is expected to reduce logistics costs and attract fresh industrial investment to the region.
According to the Press Information Bureau (https://pib.gov.in), the port has witnessed steady growth, with cargo handling rising 6 percent to 35.97 million tonnes between April 2025 and January 2026. Container traffic increased 9.4 percent to over 716,000 TEUs during the same period.
Maritime Heritage Museum Inaugurated
A key highlight of the event was the inauguration of the VOC Maritime Heritage Museum. The museum celebrates India’s maritime legacy and honours freedom fighter V.O. Chidambaranar, after whom the port is named.
Designed as an immersive cultural and educational centre, the museum aims to promote awareness of the Coromandel Coast’s maritime history while boosting tourism and community engagement in the Tuticorin region.
India’s First Digital Twin at a Port
Sonowal also unveiled India’s first comprehensive Digital Twin deployment at a port facility. The advanced platform enables real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and data-driven operational optimisation.
In addition, an anti-drone security system has been installed to safeguard critical port infrastructure. Officials said the integration of advanced technologies will significantly improve efficiency, safety and operational transparency.
Green Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Push
VOC Port has positioned itself as a leader in sustainable maritime practices. It became the first Indian port to produce and utilise green hydrogen on-site, with a pilot project operational since late 2025.
Plans are underway to scale up green hydrogen production commercially by 2029. Renewable energy initiatives include solar and wind integration, battery storage systems, green methanol facilities, and partnerships in e-ammonia and carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS).
These measures are aimed at transforming VOC Port into a green fuel bunkering hub on India’s eastern seaboard.
Outer Harbour and Transshipment Growth
Work is progressing on the ambitious Outer Harbour project, which will allow the port to handle larger vessels and boost transshipment capacity. In the past 18 months, three new berths have been commissioned, including North Cargo Berth-III dedicated in July 2025.
The expansion is expected to strengthen VOC Port’s role as a major maritime gateway and support economic growth across Tuticorin, Tirunelveli and Madurai districts.
Driving Regional Economic Growth
Speaking at the event, Sonowal said the projects reflect the government’s vision of building world-class, sustainable and technologically advanced ports. He added that initiatives such as the Outer Harbour development, shipbuilding promotion and green energy adoption would reshape the region’s economic landscape.
Susanta Kumar Purohit, Chairperson of VOC Port Authority, stated that the focus on infrastructure, digitisation and green innovation is strengthening the port’s role in regional prosperity and national development.
With continued investments in infrastructure, sustainability and digital innovation, VOC Port is emerging as a model for secure and environmentally responsible port development in India.