Union Minister inaugurates V.O.C. Maritime Heritage Museum in Thoothukudi

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Monday said that many initiatives that were being carried out at V.O. Chidambaranar Port was significantly contributing to the success of the green ports programme initiated by the Ministry.

Mr. Sonowal was here to inaugurate the V.O.C. Maritime Heritage Museum and to lay the foundation for the ₹1,500-crore worth project. It includes upgraded road and rail connectivity, enhanced power infrastructure, renewable energy integration (including solar, wind, battery storage and green hydrogen production), and advanced safety systems and cutting-edge digital platforms.

He also launched ₹1.61-crore worth Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said the landmark projects reflected the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a collective resolve to build a self-reliant, green and technologically advanced maritime sector.

The V.O.C. Port was undertaking transformative initiatives, including shipbuilding, outer harbour projects and green initiatives, which would redefine the economic landscape of the entire region.“Together these initiatives will drive inclusive economic growth, promote environmental sustainability, foster ship building and allied industries and firmly establish India as a global maritime powerhouse,” Mr. Sonowal added.

Under the Sagarmala programme, Tamil Nadu had been supported through 98 projects, with investment of approximately ₹93,492 crore. “Of this, 56 projects worth over ₹37,000 crore have already been completed,” he added.

Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson, V.O.C. Port Authority, said that by prioritising world-class infrastructure, cutting-edge digitisation, ambitious green innovation and port-led industrialisation, including ship building, V.O.C. port was strengthening its pivotal role in regional prosperity and national development.