Rs.45cr SAP-based digital platform inaugurated
Port infrastructure and digital governance projects worth Rs.235 crore at Chennai Port Authority and Kamarajar Port Limited will strengthen Tamil Nadu’s maritime capacity and advance India’s maritime-led growth agenda, said Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) Sarbananda Sonowal on announcing the latest port-related investments on 8 Jan.
Addressing the “Viksit Bharat, Viksit Ports” programme in Chennai, Sonowal said the projects underscore the Centre’s commitment to building globally competitive, climate-resilient and digitally enabled ports, while improving ease of doing business (EODB) and coastal safety.
“We are modernising ports, strengthening coastal resilience, digitising operations and expanding trade facilitation so that Indian ports emerge as engines of growth, national self-reliance and global competitiveness,” he said.
Of the total outlay, Rs.129.36 crore covers projects at Chennai Port Authority and Rs.105.64 crore supports initiatives at Kamarajar Port Limited.
For Chennai Port Authority, the Minister laid foundation stones for three projects focused on resilience, safety and public service delivery. The projects include repair and strengthening of the coastal revetment behind the Coastal Berth over about 850 metres using climate-resilient designs at a cost of Rs.33.28 crores https://ted.europa.eu/en/.
He also laid foundation stone for construction of a new firefighting pump house at the Oil Dock Area to meet OISD safety norms with an investment of Rs.43 crores. This will establish a dedicated high-capacity firefighting infrastructure fully compliant with safety norms for protection of critical energy-security assets https://sbi.com.in/.
Another foundation stone was laid for modernisation of Chennai Port Hospital with an investment of Rs.8.08 crores aimed at upgrading wards, operation theatres, diagnostics and support services while ensuring uninterrupted medical care.
Sonowal also inaugurated the Enterprise Business System (EBS), a SAP-based integrated digital platform that brings finance, port operations, human resources, assets, procurement and customer services onto a single backbone. The system, developed at a cost of Rs.45 crore, is expected to enhance transparency, compliance and operational efficiency, significantly improving ease of doing business https://www.nseindia.com/.
For Kamarajar Port Limited, the Minister laid the foundation stone for a new boundary wall at the north-west boundary connecting the Northern Port Access Road (NPAR) at a cost of Rs.1.39 crores, improving access control and logistics efficiency https://www.bseindia.com/.
He also inaugurated the rehabilitated Northern Breakwater Head at an investment of Rs.105 crores, strengthened after cyclone damage to ensure navigational safety and uninterrupted port operations, reinforcing the port’s role in India’s eastern maritime corridor. The rehabilitation covers 202 m with 3,035 new 25MT tetrapods. This area was earlier damaged during cyclones Thane and Nilam https://www.conexpoconagg.com/.
Speaking on the significance of their role in India’s maritime sector, Sonowal said, “These projects are part of a larger, integrated push to position India among the world’s leading maritime nations. By modernising ports, strengthening resilience, digitising operations and improving ease of doing business, we are building the maritime backbone required to transform the Indian economy.”
In a nationwide trade-facilitation move aligned with the One Nation–One Port Process (ONOP), Sonowal also launched the e-port clearance portal, enabling online submission and issuance of Port Clearance Certificates, including advance clearances. The initiative aims to cut turnaround time, enhance transparency and improve predictability for maritime operations across India.
The portal will enable Shipping Lines/Steamer Agents to submit applications online and download the Port Clearance Certificate through their user login—strengthening transparency, speed and predictability for maritime operations. Fiinews.com
