Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Launches Major Projects at Chennai and Kamarajar Ports
On Monday, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, inaugurated several projects at the Chennai Port Authority and Kamarajar Port Limited. These projects, with a total investment of Rs 187.33 crores, aim to enhance port infrastructure, streamline trade, and promote green port initiatives in India.
New EXIM Godowns at Chennai Port
The Minister inaugurated the construction of four new EXIM godowns at Chennai Port, costing Rs 73.91 crores. These godowns, covering 18,000 square meters, will provide essential storage for sensitive cargo like agricultural products and food grains. This project is fully funded under the Sagarmala scheme, supporting India’s trade capacity expansion.
Concrete Coastal Road and Railway Connectivity
Sonowal also dedicated a newly constructed concrete coastal road to facilitate smoother transport of heavy cargo to the Second Container Terminal at Chennai Port. Additionally, he inaugurated the Doubling of Southern Railway Connectivity at Kamarajar Port, with an investment of Rs 88.91 crores. This expansion includes 2.65 km of new railway line, three new rail bridges, and improved rail handling capacity from 22 to 44 rakes per day.
Shore Power Supply Facility
The Minister inaugurated a Shore Power Supply Facility for coal vessels at KPL, established at a cost of Rs 20.51 crores. This initiative supports seamless operations and green practices, aligning with environmental goals.
Sonowal emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to modernizing ports and enhancing maritime connectivity, positioning India as a key player in global trade.
Doubts Revealed
Union Minister -: A Union Minister is a person who is part of the central government of India and is responsible for specific areas like education, health, or transportation. Sarbananda Sonowal is one such minister.
Sarbananda Sonowal -: Sarbananda Sonowal is an Indian politician who is currently serving as a Union Minister. He is responsible for overseeing certain government projects and initiatives.
Chennai Port Authority -: Chennai Port Authority is an organization that manages the Chennai Port, which is a place where ships load and unload goods. It is one of the major ports in India, located in the city of Chennai.
Kamarajar Port Limited -: Kamarajar Port Limited is another major port in India, located near Chennai. It is used for importing and exporting goods and is named after K. Kamaraj, a former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
Rs 187.33 crores -: Rs 187.33 crores is a large amount of money, specifically 1,873,300,000 rupees. This money is being invested to improve the ports.
EXIM godowns -: EXIM godowns are storage facilities for goods that are being exported (sent out of the country) or imported (brought into the country). They help in managing trade efficiently.
Concrete coastal road -: A concrete coastal road is a strong road made of concrete that runs along the coast. It helps in transporting goods to and from the port more easily.
Railway connectivity -: Railway connectivity refers to the railway lines that connect the port to other parts of the country. This helps in moving goods quickly and efficiently.
Shore Power Supply Facility -: A Shore Power Supply Facility provides electricity to ships when they are docked at the port. This helps reduce pollution because ships don’t have to use their engines while at the port.
Environmental goals -: Environmental goals are targets set to protect the environment, like reducing pollution and conserving natural resources. The projects aim to support these goals by using cleaner energy.
