Sonowal dedicates Tuticorin International Container Terminal to nation
The Union Minister also inaugurated key infra projects as well as laid foundation stones for several initiatives.
View of the existing terminal at VO Chidambaranar Port
MADURAI: The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal dedicated the Tuticorin International Container Terminal (TICT) to the nation at the VO Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA) in Thoothukudi on Monday.
The Union Minister also inaugurated key infra projects as well as laid foundation stones for several initiatives.
Hailing the new TICT as the “new star of India’s marine infrastructure,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said in his video message, that with a deep draft of more than 14 meters and a berth over 300 meters long, this terminal will play a crucial role in enhancing the capacity of the VOC Port.
The new terminal is expected to reduce logistics costs at the port and save foreign exchange for India, he said and recalled several projects related to VOC Port that had been initiated during his visit two years ago.
The Prime Minister emphasised that one of the terminal’s key achievements was its commitment to gender diversity with 40 per cent of its employees being women, symbolising women-led development in the maritime sector.
Sonowal also flagged off the maiden container vessel from the new TICT terminal marking the beginning of operation for one of the significant port infrastructure projects in the country.
The facility has been developed with an investment of more than Rs 434 crore, with a capacity to handle six lakh TEUs annually.
The terminal has a draft of 14.20 meters which allows it to accommodate container vessels of up to 10,000 TEUs.
Sonowal said, “India is on a cruise to becoming the world’s top marine power. Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the marine sector has received a tremendous boost to modernise, mechanise and digitise our assets to drive efficiency and productivity.” This new terminal would reduce delays, bypass transhipment and economise operations by saving up to US$ 200 per container.
Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, Thoothukudi MP said the maritime trade originated in Thoothukudi in those ancient times of the Chola and Pandya dynasties. “Chief Minister MK Stalin would be happy to extend all support to the port sector to build a shipyard in Thoothukudi,” she said.
VOCPA chairman Shantanu Thakur said, “As the Prime Minister always remarks this is the time for us to start a new journey for ‘Brand India.’”