To improve the evacuation of road bound cargo to and from Chennai Port
The Union Minister of Shipping, Shri G.K. Vasan reviewed today the progress of the two connectivity projects aimed at improving the evacuation of road bound cargo to and from Chennai Port. The Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Dr. C.P.Joshi was also with him. They reviewed the initiative taken by the Chennai Port to improve its road and rail infrastructure so that there is a free flow of traffic inside the Port.
The issues of congestion inside the Port and along the city roads leading to Chennai Port were discussed in detail. As a part of the initiative, the Port is developing an eight lane gate complex at its principal Gate No.1 at its northern end which will hasten the flow of container trailers and other cargo vehicles through the gate. Similarly, the Port is also coordinating with the State Government to increase the duration of operation of the other gates viz. Gate No. 2, 2A & 10. In addition, Gate No.5 will also be made operational at night with the co-operation of the Southern Railway and the State Police Department.
The Ministers noted with satisfaction the progress on the two ongoing road projects and assured that any approvals required from the Ministries for quick release of funds for the Projects will be given due priority. Regarding the up-gradation of the 1.6 KMs stretch of the road within Fishing Harbour which forms the initial portion of the EMRIP roads, the minor problems faced during execution of the new road were noted and the Chairman, Chennai Port Trust was advised to sort them out with the concerned agencies so that the completion of the work is as per schedule.
In case of the landing at the Chennai Port end of the elevated Port link road to Maduravoyal, there is a need to relocate some of the buildings on Defence land for which Chennai Port has already agreed in principle to spare land at the Tondiarpet Housing Colony as an alternative site. NHAI is initiating further action with the State Government for facilitating the exchange of land.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Shri Vasan appreciated the efforts taken by the Port to increase the volume of Containerized cargo which has already crossed 1.27 Million TEUs as against 1.20 Million TEUs handled during the corresponding period of last year. Shri Vasan was confident that with the improved road connectivity and the increase in share of rail containers on account of the new private container train operators who recently began operations, the Port will be able to handle not only the anticipated increase in container volume from the present terminals but also the cargo generated from the Mega Terminal.
The Minister for Shipping further made a plea to the Minister for Road Transport & Highways for expediting other NHAI projects not only linking the hinterland of VOC Port, Ennore Port and Chennai Port but also other major ongoing road development projects in the state
Source: Press Information Bureau, Government of India
