Thu Sep 18 18:44:06 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

This article reports on the progress of the Multi-Modal Logistics Park (MMLP) at Mappedu and the overall growth of Chennai Port. According to Sunil Paliwal, chairperson of Chennai Port Authority, the MMLP is expected to be completed by April 2026 and Chennai Port is experiencing a 9.7% growth rate driven by containerization. While tariff implementations were initially expected to negatively impact growth, the port has remained resilient and found alternative mechanisms. E.V. Velu, Minister of Public Works, Highways and Minor Ports, Government of Tamil Nadu, highlighted the importance of the coastal economy in achieving Tamil Nadu’s $1 trillion economic goal. The article was published on September 19, 2025, by The Hindu.

**News Article:**

**Chennai Port Sees Growth Despite Tariffs; MMLP on Track for 2026 Completion**

**CHENNAI – September 19, 2025** – Chennai Port Authority is experiencing robust growth despite recent tariff implementations, with the Multi-Modal Logistics Park (MMLP) at Mappedu steadily progressing towards its April 2026 completion date. According to Sunil Paliwal, chairperson of Chennai Port Authority, the port has seen a 9.7% increase in growth, driven primarily by improved containerization.

Paliwal, speaking at the Blue Economy Summit Tamil Nadu (BESTN 2025), acknowledged the initial concerns surrounding tariffs. “The exceptional high volume we saw in April and May would have been to beat these tariff deadlines,” he stated. However, he noted that the anticipated significant dip in growth following the tariffs has not materialized. “Ultimately people are resilient – there will be some shocks, but they will find compensatory mechanisms and alternative destinations.”

E.V. Velu, Minister of Public Works, Highways and Minor Ports for the Government of Tamil Nadu, emphasized the critical role of the coastal economy in the state’s ambition to reach a $1 trillion economy.

The MMLP, when complete, is expected to further enhance logistics efficiency in the region, contributing to the continued growth of Chennai Port and the wider Tamil Nadu economy.

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