Seven firms have evinced interest in upgrading the Kamarajar Port’s General Cargo Berth-1, which will enhance its operational efficiency and cargo handling capacity.

The project, which will be executed at an estimated ₹221 crore through the public-private partnership mode, received the environmental clearance on Tuesday.

It will increase the capacity of the cargo berth from 2 million tonnes per annum to 3 million tonnes per annum, according to sources.

Fourteen years ago, General Cargo Berth-1 was developed for exporting cars. It can accommodate 8,000 cars, with a back-up area for parking 14,700. According to the Kamarajar Port Limited (KPL), this is the largest facility in any Indian port.

Two years ago, the KPL developed General Cargo Berth-2, to exclusively handle the export and import of cars.

“We want to optimally utilise the General Cargo Berth-1, and also modify it into a multi-purpose cargo berth, which will essentially handle clean cargo such as steel products, cement, tiles, food grains, containers, project, and over-dimensional cargo. We may finalise the firm within four to five months, and it will have a concession period of 30 years to operate. When the upgradation work is completed, it will drastically improve the operational efficiency and cargo handling capability (of the port),” a source said.

This will diversify cargo, reduce the vessel waiting time, and in turn, strengthen the port’s competitiveness. According to the KPL, it will also augment regional and national trade, and accelerate industrial growth.

The operational length of the General Cargo Berth-1 is 278 metres, with a navigational draft of 12-13.5 metres. It can handle vessels up to 50,000 DWT (deadweight tonnage).

The Kamarajar Port’s cargo handling capacity is now 58.44 million tonnes, and it is equipped with nine operational berths — three for bulk coal, two for liquid cargo, two for automobile export and import, and one each for container and multi-cargo.

Published - August 13, 2026 12:52 am IST