TN intends to build a greenfield port in Cuddalore
New Port to Be Built in Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu: A Major Step for Maritime Trade
The Tamil Nadu Maritime Board has announced plans to build a new port in Cuddalore, just 2 kilometers away from the old port. This new project will cover a large area of 1,200 acres and is expected to be a major boost for the region’s maritime industry. The tenders for the port’s development are expected to be issued in the next two months.
Cost and Location
The new port will be a greenfield project, which means it will be built from scratch. The estimated initial investment is between 1,500 crore to 2,000 crore. The port will be located next to the old Cuddalore port. This is the Tamil Nadu Maritime Board’s second major port project in over a decade, following the creation of the smaller port at Kattupalli, about 30 kilometers north of Chennai.
Handling Capacity
When it first opens, the new Cuddalore port will be able to handle about 13.5 million tonnes of cargo each year. In the future, this capacity will expand to handle up to 40 million tonnes annually. The port is expected to manage both coastal and international cargo transportation, making it a key player in global trade.
Previous Upgrade Plans
This new project comes after earlier plans to upgrade the old Cuddalore port did not move forward. Instead of improving the existing port, the Maritime Board decided to create a brand-new one with a larger capacity and more modern facilities.
Port Features and Expansion Plans
In the first phase, the port will have 10 berths for ships, but this number will grow as the port develops. The seafront will be 3.6 kilometers long, allowing the number of berths to increase to 25. This expansion will require an additional investment of around 2,000 crore.
Construction Model
The new port will be built using a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. This means the government will work together with private companies to complete the project. According to sources from the Tamil Nadu Maritime Board, this model will help speed up the construction process and ensure the port meets high standards.
The new port in Cuddalore is set to be a major development for Tamil Nadu, boosting trade and creating new opportunities for the region.
