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Kamarajar Port: Map, Location, Infrastructure for UPSC Notes

Last Updated on May 21, 2025
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Kamarajar Port, earlier known as Ennore Port, is a major seaport located on the eastern coast of India. It is near Chennai in Tamil Nadu. The port is operated by Kamarajar Port Limited. It mainly handles coal, automobiles, and liquid cargo.

It is officially the first major port in India registered as a company, making it unique. This fact is especially important for students preparing for Kamarajar Port UPSC topics. The port lies at Ennore Creek, which gives it strategic economic importance. Its location supports regional development and trade.

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GS Paper

General Studies Paper II,

Topics for UPSC Prelims

Governance of major ports in India, Location of Kamarajar Port

Topics for UPSC Mains

Government initiatives for port-led development, Role of ports in regional development

Historical Background of Kamarajar Port

The history of Kamarajar Port is interesting. Initially called Ennore Port, the name was changed to honor the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, K. Kamaraj. Established officially in 2001, this port became operational as India's 12th major port. Being the first major port in India registered as a company, it marked a new trend. This structure allows better efficiency and management, making Kamarajar Port Limited unique among ports in Tamil Nadu.

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Kamarajar Port Location and Significance

The Kamarajar Port location is strategic. It lies approximately 24 kilometers north of Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Specifically, the port is situated at Ennore Creek, near Ennore Kuppam village. The ennore distance from Chennai city center is advantageous for industrial connectivity. Students can use an ennore map for better understanding. Among the various major ports in Tamil Nadu, Kamarajar Port serves as a primary gateway for cargo like coal, automobiles, and petroleum products.

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Why is Kamarajar Port Important?

Kamarajar Port holds immense importance. Being near the automotive industry hub around ennore port chennai, it efficiently handles large cargo volumes. It is the primary port for automobile exports from India. Additionally, it manages substantial coal imports needed for power plants in southern India. Such points are vital when studying kamarajar port upsc details.

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Infrastructure at Kamarajar Port

The infrastructure at Kamarajar Port is modern and efficient. It supports large-scale cargo handling with advanced berths and terminals for coal, liquids, and automobiles.

Berthing and Cargo Handling Facilities

Kamarajar Port has modern infrastructure. It has multiple berths dedicated to handling diverse cargo. The port is equipped with specialized terminals for coal, automobiles, and liquid cargo. UPSC aspirants must note these facilities. Such infrastructure supports rapid loading and unloading operations at the ennore harbour.

Connectivity and Transportation

Good connectivity is another feature of Kamarajar Port. The port connects via rail and road networks efficiently. This connectivity supports quick cargo distribution to nearby regions. Ennore distance from Chennai and other industrial hubs ensures smooth logistical operations. Understanding connectivity helps aspirants grasp the operational efficiency of the kpl port.

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Economic Impact of Kamarajar Port

The economic significance of Kamarajar Port is notable. It contributes significantly to India's trade and commerce. The port generates employment opportunities around ennore kuppam and surrounding areas. Additionally, it supports industries dependent on coal and automotive exports, boosting regional economic growth.

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Environmental Concerns and Measures

Environmental concerns are associated with the ennore port due to its heavy industrial activity. Issues such as coastal erosion around ennore creek have been observed. To mitigate these, the authorities have implemented strict environmental norms. Sustainable practices at ennore kamarajar port include regular monitoring and environmental protection activities.

Kamarajar Port: Key Facts for UPSC Aspirants

  • First major port in India registered as a company.
  • Handles significant automobile and coal cargo.
  • Located strategically at ennore creek near Chennai.
  • Initially named Ennore Port, renamed after K. Kamaraj.
  • Among important ports in Tamil Nadu.
  • Important for understanding infrastructure and economy for UPSC exams.

Current Developments at Kamarajar Port

Kamarajar Port is undergoing significant expansions to enhance its capacity and infrastructure, aligning with India's maritime growth objectives.

Infrastructure and Capacity Enhancements

  • Cargo handling capacity increased from 37 million tonnes in 2014-15 to 94 million tonnes in 2023-24, a 154% rise. The target is 254.5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) by 2047 with plans for 27 berths.
  • Phase I of the container terminal, with a quay length of 330 meters and a capacity of 11.58 MTPA, is planned under the Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) model. Construction is yet to commence.
  • A new RoRo cum General Cargo Berth-II, including a car parking yard with a capacity of 3.00 MTPA, has been constructed at a cost of ₹149.36 crore and was inaugurated on January 2, 2024.

Connectivity Improvements

  • ₹88.91 crore invested to enhance rail connectivity with a 2.65 km railway line, three new rail bridges, and upgraded level crossings.
  • A southern port access road is being developed to improve road connectivity and facilitate smoother cargo movement.

Environmental and Sustainability Initiatives

  • A ₹520 crore capital dredging project (Phase-VI) is underway to deepen the port's berth to 18 meters for larger vessels.
  • A 1 MLD seawater reverse osmosis desalination plant is being set up at a cost of ₹37 crore.
  • A ₹20.51 crore shore power supply facility has been established to provide electricity to berthed vessels and reduce emissions.

Financial Performance

  • Revenue increased from ₹1,009 crore in the previous fiscal year to ₹1,081 crore in 2023-24. The current fiscal target is ₹1,175 crore.
  • The port handled 1,14,604 automobile units in 2023-24 and aims to exceed 1.4 lakh units this year.

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Comparison with Other Major Ports in Tamil Nadu

Chennai Port vs Kamarajar Port

Feature

Chennai Port

Kamarajar Port

Location

In the heart of Chennai city

Ennore, about 24 km north of Chennai

Year of Establishment

1881

2001

Expansion Space

Limited due to urban surroundings

Ample land available for expansion

Major Cargo

Containers, general cargo

Coal, automobiles, liquid cargo

Operational Management

Government-managed port trust

Company under Ministry of Shipping

Type

Traditional government port

First major port in India registered as a company

Environmental Focus

Limited scope for green expansion

Focus on sustainable practices

Tuticorin Port vs Kamarajar Port

Feature

Tuticorin Port (V.O. Chidambaranar Port)

Kamarajar Port

Location

Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu

Ennore, about 24 km north of Chennai

Year of Establishment

1974

2001

Major Cargo

General cargo, containers, salt

Coal, automobiles, liquid cargo

Operational Management

Government-managed port trust

Company under Ministry of Shipping

Expansion Potential

Moderate

High

Specialization

General and container cargo

Bulk cargo and automobile exports

Environmental Approach

Traditional practices

Focus on sustainability


 

Key Takeaways for UPSC Aspirants

 
  • Kamarajar Port, formerly Ennore Port, is India’s first corporatised major port, located on the Coromandel Coast in Tamil Nadu.
     
  • It operates as a Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways with autonomous commercial functioning.
     
  • Kamarajar Port primarily handles coal, automobiles, and liquid cargo, boosting energy and industrial sectors in Southern India significantly.
     
  • It plays a key role in reducing congestion at Chennai Port and improving port logistics infrastructure in the region.
     
  • The port's strategic location enhances India's maritime trade, serving as a critical node in the Sagarmala project network.

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Conclusion

Kamarajar Port plays a significant role in India's maritime and economic development. It symbolizes modern infrastructure, efficient management, and strategic location. For UPSC aspirants, understanding its history, location, infrastructure, and environmental impacts is crucial. Regular updates on developments at the port ensure comprehensive preparation for competitive exams.

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Kamarajar Port UPSC FAQs

It is the first major port in India registered as a company, making it different from traditional government-run ports.

Ennore Kuppam is a village near the port, contributing local labor and witnessing economic development due to port activities.

Kamarajar Port is a major seaport on India’s east coast. It is located at Ennore Creek, about 24 km from Chennai.

It was earlier known as Ennore Port before being renamed after Tamil Nadu's former Chief Minister, K. Kamaraj.

It is important due to its economic role, unique company structure, and environmental impact—key topics under kamarajar port upsc.

The port handles coal, liquid cargo, and automobiles. It is a leading automobile export hub in India.

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