Tuticorin Outer Harbour Development: India's Strategic Move to Rival Singapore as Global Transhipment Hub

The development of Tuticorin Outer Harbour in Tamil Nadu into a world-class transhipment hub aims to reduce India's reliance on Colombo and Singapore for regional cargo transhipment, according to Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal in his statement to NDTV.

During his interview in Chennai, Minister Sonowal explained that the Centre's maritime policy is strategically focused on establishing shipbuilding and ship repair clusters throughout coastal states, which he believes will "propel faster growth" for the nation's maritime sector.

Tamil Nadu is already positioned to reap substantial benefits from a major maritime infrastructure initiative. Cochin Shipyard and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders are collaborating on a ₹30,000 crore shipbuilding hub within the state. This ambitious project is projected to create approximately 55,000 employment opportunities, with 9,000 of these being direct jobs.

This visit marks Sonowal's second trip to Tamil Nadu within a two-month period. While in the region on Friday, he also inaugurated a new Maritime Simulation Centre at AMET University located on Chennai's outskirts.

When questioned whether these frequent visits to Tamil Nadu might be connected to the BJP's strategic preparations for the upcoming 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, the Minister declined to provide any comment on the matter.