“Inland cargo movement and coastal shipping have increased, and logistics costs have improved to 7.97 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), supported by policy measures and better integration across transport modes,” he said addressing an event in Chennai.
Within the overall growth of the port sector, Kamarajar Port Ltd. handled 48.41 million tonnes of cargo in FY 2024–25, recording around 7 per cent growth over the previous year, the Minister said.
The port facilitated the export of more than 25 lakh automobiles for various manufacturers and supported employment for over 13,000 people in the region, Sonowal said.
On the financial side, the port crossed Rs 1000 crore in revenue for the third consecutive year. It reported a profit after tax of Rs 539 crore and paid a dividend of Rs 300 crore. The operating ratio stood at 24.51 per cent, and per-employee revenue was Rs 11.6 crore, he added.
Projects worth Rs 88.60 crore for the rehabilitation of the Northern Backwater and Rs 1.3 crore for the construction of a boundary wall are being taken up at the Kamarajar Port, the Minister said.
He also inaugurated and laid foundation for four projects worth Rs 235 crore.
Of the total outlay, Rs 129.36 crore covers projects at Chennai Port Authority and Rs 105.64 crore supports initiatives at Kamarajar Port Ltd.
