India is turning out to be a major stakeholder in the global supply chain and this escalating capacity is the base of our economic growth, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday.
Inaugurating the Tuticorin International Container Terminal in Tamil Nadu virtually, PM Modi said that it was more than Rs 7,000 crore being invested by the country for developing an Outer Harbour Container Terminal and the VO Chidambaranar Port, which was known as Tuticorin Port, continues to expand in its handling capacity.
"The VOC Port is ready to pen a new chapter in the maritime development of India. With three major ports and 17 non-major ports, Tamil Nadu has emerged as a major hub for maritime trade," said the prime minister while inaugurating the new container terminal, terming it as the new star of India's marine infrastructure.
It is deep draft with more than 14 metres draft and berth over 300 metres in length. This shall play a vital role in enriching the capacity of the VOC port.
The new terminal would be achieving an appreciable reduction in logistics costs at the port, saving valuable foreign exchange for the country.
PM Modi said: It is one of the biggest accomplishments for the terminal, said one of its claims. The terminal has 40 percent women employees, thus reflecting women-led development in the maritime sector.
"India is leading the world in sustainable and forward-thinking development," said PM Modi, adding the VOC Port is being recognized as a Green Hydrogen hub and a nodal port for offshore wind energy.
"Innovation and collaboration are India's greatest strengths on its development journey. This momentum will propel India to become the world's third-largest economy soon, and Tamil Nadu is playing a pivotal role in driving this growth," the Prime Minister noted while emphasizing that the country was now well-connected with a vast network of roadways, highways, waterways and airways, strengthening the nation's position in global trade.
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, laid the foundation stone for the Tuticorin International Container Terminal (TICT) and dedicated it to the nation at the VO Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA).
The Union Minister also inaugurated some of the key infra projects and laid several foundation stones in multiple initiatives.
Sarbananda Sonowal also flagged off the maiden container vessel from the new TICT terminal marking the beginning of operations for one of the significant port infrastructure projects in the country.
The port has been developed on an investment of over Rs 434 crore with the facility to accommodate 6 lakh TEUs annually.
Union Minister also inaugurated the newly constructed Green Hydrogen Project, which he called a 'major step towards realizing PM Modi's vision of making India a global hub of Green Hydrogen'.
Minister of State for AYUSH, Sarbananda Sonowal also dedicated a 400 kW Rooftop Solar Power Plant under the 'Harit Sagar Green Port Initiative.'
He was also present at the signing of Land Lease Agreements for new projects as VOCPA opens up fresh avenues for industrial growth.
Speaking on the occasion, Sarbananda Sonowal said, "India is cruising towards becoming the world's top marine power. Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the marine sector has received tremendous boost to modernise, mechanise and digitise our assets to drive efficiency and productivity.".
"Today, this initiative received another shot in the arm as our effort towards providing a smooth and swift service for the trading community led to the growth of EXIM trade, ultimately contributing to the growth of India's wealth."
He also said that the new terminal would reduce delays, bypass transshipment and economise operations by saving up to dollars 200 per container.
"This will optimize our cost of operations by up to $4 million annually. Completed ahead of schedule, this terminal is a landmark achievement in the first 100 days of PM Modi-led NDA government.".
"Our workforce is the backbone of our ports, very hardworking, and I want to compliment them on their work. It is heartening to know that this port has been used for generating employment. To recognize the power of Nari Shakti, at least 40% of the workforce should be women, which will greatly contribute toward inclusive growth," the Union minister added.
Read also| PM Modi Highlights the Strength of ‘Hindi Bhasha’ on Hindi Diwas
