Sonowal Inaugurates Green Hydrogen Plant, Launches Projects

Thoothukudi

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday inaugurated a green hydrogen pilot plant and laid the foundation for several port development projects at V O Chidambaranar (VOC) Port. Speaking at the event, he highlighted the Sagarmala programme’s role in boosting livelihoods for coastal communities by establishing four key fishing harbours at Koonthookal, Pompuhar, Sinamoton, and Mukailyard.

Sonowal emphasized that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, maritime innovation and connectivity are transforming Tamil Nadu’s role in India’s growth story. He noted that the National Technology Centre for Port, Waterways and Coast at IIT Chennai has delivered important engineering solutions, and the recently held Maritime Hackathon Marathon 2025 in Chennai aims to foster innovation, collaboration, and problem-solving in the sector.

The Union Minister also spoke about major initiatives like developing the Eastern Maritime Corridor to Vladivostok via Chennai, enhancing cruise tourism with a new Tamil Nadu–Sri Lanka circuit, and upgrading passenger terminals to promote cultural and coastal experiences.

Paying tribute to freedom fighter V O Chidambaranar on his birth anniversary, Sonowal recalled his contribution to launching swadeshi shipping and encouraged the younger generation to remember his legacy. Today is the birthday of a great leader, O Chidambaranar, who pioneered swadeshi shipping and strengthened India’s shipbuilding history. The present generation should know about his contributions, he said.

Through these initiatives, Sonowal underlined the government’s focus on sustainable energy, maritime innovation, and inclusive growth along India’s coastline.