Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the inauguration of Tuticorin International Container Terminal (TICT) via video message.

Speaking on the occasion, Modi said that today marks a significant milestone in India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation and hailed the new Tuticorin International Container Terminal as the ‘new star of India's marine infrastructure’.

Highlighting its role in expanding the capacity of the V.O. Chidambaranar Port, the Prime Minister said, “With a deep draft of more than 14 meters and a berth over 300 meters long, this terminal will play a crucial role in enhancing the capacity of the V.O.C. Port.”

He further added 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 V.O.C. Port that had been initiated during his visit two years ago.

He expressed satisfaction with the rapid completion. He emphasized that one of the terminal's key achievements is its commitment to gender diversity with 40% of its employees being women, symbolizing women-led development in the maritime sector.

Acknowledging the vital role that Tamil Nadu’s coastline has played in driving India’s economic growth, Modi said, “With three major ports and seventeen non-major ports, Tamil Nadu has become a major hub for maritime trade.”

He added that to further boost the port-led development, India is investing over Rs. 7,000 crore in the development of an Outer Harbour Container Terminal, and the capacity of the V.O.C. Port continues to grow.

The V.O.C. Port is ready to write a new chapter in the maritime development of India, said Modi.

“Innovation and collaboration are India’s greatest strengths on its development journey”, the Prime Minister remarked, highlighting that the inauguration of the terminal is a testament to the collective strength.

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal flagged off the maiden Container Vessel from the new terminal marking the beginning of operation for one of the significant port infrastructure projects in the country. The port has been developed with an investment of more than Rs. 434 crores, with a capacity to handle 6 lakh TEUs annually. The terminal has a draft of 14.20 meters which allows it to accommodate container vessels of up to 10,000 TEUs.

TICT, the VOCPA port’s third, is operated by JM Baxi Group. It boasts a draft of 14.20 meters, an overall length of 370 meters, and spans 10 hectares, including the berth and backup area. The terminal is equipped to handle 6 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of containers, significantly bolstering the port’s cargo handling capacity.