By boosting spending on infrastructure at Thoothukudi ports, Tamilnadu government should promote industrialization while concentrating on the growth of South Tamil Nadu.
“The government should pay more attention to turning the existing port into an international seaport to support growing demands of trade and industry, which heavily rely on VO Chidambaranar Port,” TR Thamilarasu, president, All India Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Thoothukudi stated. According to a decision by the VOC Port Authority, two container terminals were planned to be built at the seaport in two phases for the Outer Harbour development at a cost of Rs 7,055.95 crore, and money to the tune of Rs 1,929.80 crore was sanctioned under a potential gap funding programme.
The seaport, which is blessed with road, rail, and air networks, in Thoothukudi is strategically located near the East-West international sea route.
The Union government aims to promote export trade by reducing transaction costs and time and it could be achieved by creating appropriate infrastructure in the port sector.
Unlike other inland ports in India, Thoothukudi port has eight-lane road access and rail connectivity from NH 38, NH 138, NH 44, NH 48, NH 16, and NH 66 and these facilities could be utilised for increasing the productivity of the port.
Citing these, he said the office bearers of the Chamber recently submitted a memorandum to Shantanu Thakur, Minister of State for Shipping and Waterways, who presided over a programme.
