Sun Nov 02 00:07:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the text, suitable for publication by The Hindu:
Chennai Port Revives ₹8,000 Crore Outer Harbour Project, Eyes 2031 Completion
CHENNAI, November 2, 2025 – The Chennai Port Authority has announced the revival of its ambitious outer harbour project, a massive undertaking estimated to cost ₹8,000 crore. The project aims to significantly expand the port’s capacity, reduce logistics costs, and accommodate the world’s largest container ships. The first phase is targeted for completion by 2031.
The outer harbour will be constructed seaward, beyond the existing harbour line, and will feature a draft exceeding 20 meters, enabling the port to handle ultra-large container ships capable of carrying over 20,000 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units). This marks the third attempt to realize the project, following unsuccessful attempts in 2007 and 2013.
“Bigger vessels demand deeper drafts, advanced berths and high-throughput handling,” stated a senior official from the Chennai Port Authority.
The Authority will soon appoint a transaction advisor to conduct a feasibility study. The project will be implemented under a Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Transfer (DBFOT) model. A concessionaire is expected to be selected by the end of 2026, with a 45-year concession period.
The project will be executed in phases, allowing for technological upgrades in each phase to adapt to evolving industry standards. The first phase will equip the port to handle ships with 18-meter drafts, with subsequent phases increasing capacity to 21-meter drafts.
The scope of the project, as outlined in the Request for Proposal (RFP), includes the construction of breakwaters, land reclamation for yard development, berth construction, container parking yards, roads, internal rail connectivity, installation of handling equipment, dredging of the basin and channel, and the provision of navigational aids, tugs, and floating crafts.
The revival of the Outer Harbour project coincides with the ongoing development of the Chennai Port–Maduravoyal Elevated Corridor. The elevated corridor will help manage increased traffic and cargo, improving the efficiency of the expanded port by segregating port-bound vehicles from local traffic.
The Chennai Port Authority is optimistic about the project’s success, citing accelerated industrial growth in the state and the growing need for transshipment services in the region.
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