My colleagues in the Cabinet, Sarbananda Sonowal ji and Shantanu Thakur ji, officials and employees of Tuticorin Port, other distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Today marks a significant milestone in the journey of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India). This new Tuticorin International Container Terminal is the new star of Bharat’s marine infrastructure. This terminal will also expand the capabilities of the V.O. Chidambaranar Port. With a draft deeper than fourteen meters and a berth longer than 300 meters, this new terminal will play a key role in increasing the capacity of this port. This will reduce logistics costs at V.O.C. Port and also save foreign exchange of Bharat. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of you and to the people of Tamil Nadu.

I remember I had the opportunity to inaugurate several projects related to V.O.C. Port two years ago. Back then, many works were initiated to increase the cargo handling capacity of this port. When I visited Tuticorin this February, many more port-related works had also started. Seeing these works rapidly progressing today doubles my joy. I am also delighted that 40% of the employees at this new terminal will be women. This means this terminal will also be a symbol of Women-Led Development in the maritime sector.

Friends,

The coastlines of Tamil Nadu have played an important role in the development of the country's economy. The port infrastructure here includes three major ports and seventeen non-major ports. Tamil Nadu is now a significant hub of the maritime trade network because of this capacity. To further accelerate the mission of port-led development, we are developing an Outer Harbour Container Terminal. More than seven thousand crore rupees are being invested in this. We are also continuously increasing the capacity of V.O.C. Port, which means V.O.C. Port is ready to write a new chapter in the maritime development of the country.

Friends,

Bharat’s maritime mission today is not just limited to infrastructure development. Bharat is now showing the world the path to sustainable and forward-thinking development, and this is clearly visible in our V.O.C. Port. This port is recognized as a Green Hydrogen hub and a Nodal Port for offshore wind. Our initiatives will prove very effective in dealing with the climate change challenges the world is currently facing.

Friends,

Innovation and collaboration are our greatest strengths in Bharat’s development journey. The new terminal inaugurated today is a testament to this strength. We are working collectively to build a well-connected Bharat. Today, connectivity has increased with the expansion of roadways, highways, waterways, and airways across the country. As a result, Bharat has significantly strengthened its position in global trade. Bharat is becoming a major stakeholder in the global supply chain. This growing strength of Bharat is the foundation of our economic growth. This same strength will rapidly make Bharat the world's third-largest economy. I am happy that Tamil Nadu is further enhancing Bharat’s capabilities. Once again, my heartfelt congratulations to all of you on the new terminal at V.O.C. Port. Thank you. 

Vanakkam.

***

MJPS/ VJ/SKS