Chennai Port to Get Mega Container Terminal
Outer Harbour expansion planned with 2-km quay and 90-hectare backup area amid record cargo throughput
Chennai: The Chennai Port is set to expand with a mega container terminal in the Outer Harbour, marking the next phase of its growth even as the port achieves record cargo and container volumes this financial year.
S. Viswanathan, Chairman of the Chennai Port Authority, said the proposed terminal will feature a 2-kilometre quay and approximately 90 hectares of backup area, significantly increasing container handling capacity and reinforcing Chennai’s role as a critical gateway for regional trade.
The expansion comes as the port recorded its highest ever container throughput of 1.83 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) on March 11, surpassing the previous FY25 record of 1.82 million TEUs, achieved nearly 20 days earlier than last year.
Cargo traffic has also remained robust, with total tonnage crossing the 50 million tonne mark for FY26 on February 12, about 18 days ahead of the previous financial year. The port maintained all existing shipping services while introducing six new routes, helping sustain container growth despite competition from nearby public and private ports along India’s east coast.
The new mega container terminal is expected to further strengthen Chennai Port’s position as a major hub for maritime trade in southern India.
