Cargo handling capacity of Indian ports crosses 1 billion tonnes

28 Jan 2011

Aggregate cargo handling capacity of Indian ports has reached 1,011 million tonnes per annum with the commissioning of three major projects at Ennore Port, involving capacity addition of a total 15 million tonnes.

The three major projects having a total capacity of 15 MTPA implemented at Ennore Port include the common user coal terminal, iron ore terminal and car terminal.

The shipping ministry today organised a function at Ennore Port to commemorate the achievement of aggregate cargo handling capacity of Indian ports crossing one billion tonnes.

As per the maritime agenda 2010-20 prepared by the shipping ministry, in order to meet the requirements of trade and industry, the combined capacity of Indian ports should reach 3,200 million tonnes by 2020.

Speaking at the function, Ennore Port chairman and managing director S Velumani said the Ennore Port achieved big growth within a short span of ten years of its commercial operations. He said the port has charted out further capacity expansion projects in order to realise its full potential.

Minister of shipping GK Vasan underlined the need for developing India's port sector capacity further in order to keep pace with the growth of the overall Indian economy.