Of these, 16 projects have been completed at a combined cost of ₹1,088 crore, while six projects worth ₹150 crore are currently under implementation, according to information shared by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.
Key completed projects in Tamil Nadu include the construction of a coastal cargo berth at Chennai Port (₹80 crore), a fishing harbour at Poompuhar in Nagapattinam (₹148 crore), a coastal berth at V.O. Chidambaranar Port (₹36 crore), and breakwater and dredging work at Cuddalore Port (₹135 crore). Other completed initiatives include truck parking terminals, skill development programmes, storage yard development, and harbour expansions at various locations.
Projects currently under implementation include the modernisation of Chennai Fishing Harbour (₹97.95 crore), berthing facilities for tourist vessels at Agni Theertham (₹7.58 crore), and infrastructure upgrades at Nagapattinam Port to support passenger ferry services to Sri Lanka (₹10.47 crore).
Additionally, the National Technology Centre for Ports, Waterways and Coasts (NTCWPC) has been set up at IIT Chennai at a cost of ₹77.03 crore. The centre acts as the technological arm of the Ministry, developing innovative solutions and providing research-based support for the ports and shipping sector.
The Sagarmala Programme spans multiple coastal states and union territories, with a total of 121 projects worth ₹9,415 crore undertaken across India. Tamil Nadu ranks among the top-performing states, highlighting its strategic role in India’s maritime development.
Sagarmala is a Central Sector Scheme aimed at leveraging India’s 7,500 km-long coastline, 14,500 km of potentially navigable waterways, and strategic location on key international maritime trade routes. It offers financial support to state governments for port infrastructure, coastal connectivity, fish harbours, cruise terminals, and innovative initiatives like Ro-Pax ferry services.