New Delhi, September 16 (HS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated the Tuticorin International Container Terminal in Tamil Nadu.

Addressing the inauguration program of Tuticorin International Container Terminal through a video message, the Prime Minister emphasized that today is an important milestone in India's journey to become a developed nation. He described the new Tuticorin International Container Terminal as the 'new star of India's maritime infrastructure'.

Highlighting its role in increasing the capacity of V.O. Chidambaranar Port, the Prime Minister said, With a deep draft of over 14 meters and a berth over 300 meters long, this terminal will play a vital role in increasing the capacity of V.O.C. Port.

He further said that the new terminal is expected to reduce logistics costs at the port and save foreign exchange for India. He congratulated the people of Tamil Nadu and recalled several projects related to the VOC port that were launched during his visit two years ago. He expressed satisfaction at the rapid completion of these works. He stressed that one of the major achievements of the terminal is its commitment to gender diversity. “This newly built terminal will have 40 per cent women employees, making it a symbol of women-led development in the maritime sector,” Modi said.

Acknowledging the important role of Tamil Nadu’s coastline in driving India’s economic growth, Modi said Tamil Nadu has become a major hub of maritime trade with three major ports and 17 non-major ports. He said to further promote port-led development, India is investing over Rs 7,000 crore in the development of the Outer Harbour Container Terminal and the capacity of the VOC port is being continuously increased. “The VOC port is set to write a new chapter in India’s maritime development,” he said.

Modi spoke about India's comprehensive maritime mission, which goes beyond infrastructure development. He said that India is showing the world the path of sustainable and visionary development. He informed that VOC Port is being recognized as a green hydrogen hub and a nodal port for offshore wind energy. These initiatives will play a key role in tackling the global challenges of climate change.

Prime Minister Modi said that innovation and collaboration are the biggest strengths of India's development journey. He highlighted that the inauguration of the terminal is a testimony to the collective power. He emphasized that India is now well connected by a vast network of roads, highways, waterways and airways, strengthening the country's position in global trade. The Prime Minister emphasized, India is becoming a major stakeholder in the global supply chain and this growing capacity is the foundation of our economic growth. Modi expressed confidence that this momentum will soon lead India to become the world's third largest economy and Tamil Nadu is playing an important role in driving this growth.

Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar