Tamil Nadu to Build Greenfield Port in Cuddalore with Rs 2,000 Crore Investment

The Tamil Nadu Maritime Board has announced plans for a greenfield port near the existing old port in Cuddalore, aiming to enhance cargo handling and boost trade and logistics. With an estimated investment of Rs 1,500–2,000 crore, this marks the state’s largest port development in over a decade.

The first phase of the port will handle 13.5 million tonnes of cargo annually, with a potential expansion to 40 million tonnes. Spread across 1,200 acres and 2 km from the old port, the facility will cater to international cargo and coastal shipping needs. The initial phase includes 10 berths, which will expand to 25, covering 3.6 km of seafront. An additional Rs 2,000 crore will be invested in future expansions.

The project is to be developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. Tenders will be issued within two months by the Tamil Nadu Infrastructure Development Board. Construction is projected to complete within five years of finalizing the bidder.

This port will be Tamil Nadu’s second major port after Kattupalli, located north of Chennai, and is expected to strengthen the state’s infrastructure significantly. The initiative is especially critical for the state’s textile sector, which requires 120 lakh bales of cotton annually, highlighting the port’s importance in meeting growing logistical demands.