<p data-path-to-node="5">Assessing capital progress and operational readiness along India’s Coromandel Coast, <b data-path-to-node="5" data-index-in-node="102">Shri Sameer Kumar Khare, IAS (Retd.)</b>, Chairman of the <b data-path-to-node="5" data-index-in-node="156">National Shipping Board (NSB)</b>, conducted a comprehensive inspection visit to <b data-path-to-node="5" data-index-in-node="233">Kamarajar Port Limited (KPL)</b> in Ennore. The high-level review focused on evaluating the port’s multi-cargo terminal performance, ongoing port-led development projects, and strategic alignment with the Ministry’s Maritime India Vision targets.</p><p data-path-to-node="6">Accompanied by senior port officials and terminal operators, the NSB Chairman inspected marine facilities, deep-draft bulk berths, automobile export yards, and container handling terminals to ensure the port maintains seamless hinterland connectivity and rapid vessel turnarounds.</p><h3 data-path-to-node="8"><b data-path-to-node="8" data-index-in-node="0">Strengthening Multi-Commodity Handling and Port-Led Industrial Expansion</b></h3><p data-path-to-node="9">The high-level review highlighted key operational milestones driving Kamarajar Port's commercial trajectory:</p><ul data-path-to-node="10"><li><p data-path-to-node="10,0,0"><b data-path-to-node="10,0,0" data-index-in-node="0">18-Metre Draft Operational Advantage:</b> The inspection follows KPL’s milestone achievement of deepening its navigational channel to an <b data-path-to-node="10,0,0" data-index-in-node="133">18-metre draft</b>, enabling fully laden Capesize bulk carriers and large container vessels to berth without offshore lighterage.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="10,1,0"><b data-path-to-node="10,1,0" data-index-in-node="0">Automobile Export &amp; Commercial Partnerships:</b> Discussions focused on expanding automotive logistics, backed by long-term OEM export agreements including a recent five-year commercial vehicle export pact with Isuzu Motors India utilizing KPL’s dedicated General Cargo and Car Terminal.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="10,2,0"><b data-path-to-node="10,2,0" data-index-in-node="0">Multi-Cargo Terminal Performance:</b> The NSB delegation evaluated thermal coal handling, liquid bulk facilities, and container handling operations managed under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) concessions, emphasizing enhanced environmental compliance under the 'Harit Sagar' Green Port Guidelines.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="10,3,0"><b data-path-to-node="10,3,0" data-index-in-node="0">National Shipping Board Oversight:</b> As the highest statutory advisory body on Indian shipping matters, the NSB’s review reinforces policy focus on port modernization, seafarer welfare facilities, and integrated coastal shipping corridors across Tamil Nadu maritime hubs.</p></li></ul>