Tamil Nadu Proposes Maritime Master Plan to Enhance Port Infrastructure and Connectivity

The Government of Tamil Nadu is working on a State Maritime and Waterways Master Plan aimed at establishing a long-term framework for developing ports, waterways, coastal connectivity, and related maritime infrastructure. The initiative is designed to improve cargo movement and reduce overall logistics costs across the state.

According to the Highways and Minor Ports Department’s Policy Note 2026-27, tabled in the Assembly by Aadhav Arjuna, Minister for Public Works and Sports Development, the Tamil Nadu Maritime Board has submitted the master plan proposal to the Government of India to seek funding assistance.

The Tamil Nadu Maritime Board is tasked with the administration, management, and development of minor ports within the state. It currently administers, controls, and regulates 17 notified minor ports. Under the proposed framework, the development of these individual ports will depend on specific location potential, cargo requirements, technical and commercial feasibility, environmental considerations, and necessary statutory approvals.

During the 2025-26 period, minor and state-managed ports handled 1.13 crore metric tonnes of cargo. Concurrently, the Tamil Nadu Maritime Board generated a gross revenue of ₹61 crore during the same financial year.

A core focus of the proposed master plan is strengthening the connectivity between ports and the broader road and rail networks. The state plans to coordinate port-connectivity requirements with relevant infrastructure agencies. These needs will be integrated into project planning based on projected cargo movement and regional development priorities.

In addition to physical infrastructure, the department is planning to strengthen procurement and contractor-management systems as part of its broader infrastructure development programme.

Together, the proposed maritime master plan and the planned procurement reforms aim to create a structured framework for Tamil Nadu’s port and coastal infrastructure development, aligning future connectivity investments with cargo demand and economic growth.

"Tamil Nadu's focus on a structured maritime master plan highlights the critical link between efficient logistics and regional economic growth. By actively seeking central funding and prioritizing road and rail integration with its 17 notified minor ports, the state is laying down a reliable foundation for industrial supply chains. For businesses and logistics startups operating in the region, improved port connectivity and transparent procurement systems will eventually translate to lower transit bottlenecks and more predictable operating costs." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes