The Puducherry Government is set to revive its port here and make it a hub of export and import shortly in collaboration with Ennore’s Kamarajar Port Limited.
This was announced by M. Chandrakasu, Agriculture Minister, who is also holding the Port portfolio in reply to a query raised by ruling party MLA.
The Minister said, “The government has plans to develop Puducherry Port once again as a hub of export and import joining hands with Kamarajar Port Limited, Ennore.”
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It also intended to do port operation in the area comprising of Old Port, Uppalam, Vambakeerapalayam and Veerampatinam.
“Soon Puducherry Government will sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Kamarajar Port Limited to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) for the development of the port”, said Mr. Chandrakasu.
The port handled vessels till 2006-07, and it was stopped due to privatisation process. Currently, the berth is used as parking lot by fishing trawlers.
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The Port Department carries out dredging work on a limited scale to prevent the channel from getting closed.
The Minister also added that if and when the Centre brings new scheme to develop the minor ports, the Puducherry Government will approach the Union Government to develop the port.