Chennai Port Authority marks India's 80th Independence Day with record cargo handling and a 22-year high net surplus, as announced by Chairperson Sachin S.
Chennai Port Authority celebrated India's 80th Independence Day today, with Chairperson Sachin S. Kurve announcing that the port handled a record 57.90 million metric tonnes (MMT) of cargo in FY 2025–26, a 5.4 percent year-on-year increase that exceeded targets set by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
Addressing officials, board members, and staff at the flag-hoisting ceremony, Kurve outlined the port's operational and financial gains over the past year and detailed infrastructure projects planned for the years ahead. He linked the port's growth to national programs, including PM Gati Shakti and the Viksit Bharat @2047 vision.
Container throughput reached an all-time high of 19.4 lakh twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in FY 2025–26, up 6.7 percent from the previous year. Automobile handling crossed two lakh units, while crude petroleum volumes reached 11.45 MMT.
Kurve stated that the port recorded the best year-on-year improvement in vessel turnaround time among all major ports in the country, contributing to an overall productivity increase of 20 percent.
Between April and July 2026, the port handled 18.72 MMT of cargo despite trade disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
The port posted a Net Surplus before Tax of Rs. 433.71 crore, described as its highest in 22 years, on operating income of Rs. 1,185.02 crore. Its operating ratio stood at 55.19 percent.
On welfare commitments, the authority contributed Rs. 100 crore to its Pension and Gratuity Funds. Kurve mentioned that the port also extended benefits to vulnerable dependents, including transgender dependents.
Kurve identified several infrastructure initiatives as priorities. These include the completion of the Mappedu Multimodal Logistics Park and the Elevated Maduravoyal Expressway, along with planning for a proposed Outer Harbour Project.
The event was attended by Chief Vigilance Officer Anugraha P., along with board members, department heads, trade union leaders, port users, officers, staff, and teachers and students of Chennai Port School. Outstanding local students were felicitated during the ceremony.