<p data-path-to-node="5">The <b data-path-to-node="5" data-index-in-node="21">Chennai Port Authority (ChPA)</b> has formulated an ambitious <b data-path-to-node="5" data-index-in-node="79">₹17,700-crore Outer Harbour development master plan</b> aimed at overcoming spatial constraints, significantly deepening natural drafts, and doubling the gateway's total cargo handling capacity along India’s Coromandel Coast.</p><p data-path-to-node="6">The mega-infrastructure project, designed in alignment with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 and PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, entails reclaiming extensive land from the sea and constructing offshore deepwater breakwaters to accommodate next-generation Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs), bulk carriers, and specialized clean cargo traffic.</p><h3 data-path-to-node="8">Key Operational Highlights &amp; Deepwater Expansion</h3><ul data-path-to-node="9"><li><p data-path-to-node="9,0,0"><b data-path-to-node="9,0,0" data-index-in-node="0">Unlocking Ultra-Deep Drafts:</b> The planned Outer Harbour facility will offer natural water depths of over 18 to 20 metres, enabling the port to berth the world's largest container ships and Capesize bulk carriers without tide constraints.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="9,1,0"><b data-path-to-node="9,1,0" data-index-in-node="0">Massive Land Reclamation &amp; Berth Creation:</b> The plan encompasses offshore breakwater construction, extensive seabed dredging, and large-scale land reclamation to build automated container berths, multi-purpose cargo docks, and specialized bunkering terminals.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="9,2,0"><b data-path-to-node="9,2,0" data-index-in-node="0">Decongesting Urban Coastal Interfaces:</b> By developing primary high-throughput operations offshore and connecting them directly to national freight corridors via elevated sea-bridge road spurs and rail corridors, the Outer Harbour bypasses downtown Chennai’s city road traffic.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="9,3,0"><b data-path-to-node="9,3,0" data-index-in-node="0">Private Capital &amp; PPP Model:</b> The project is envisioned to be implemented across phased Public-Private Partnership (PPP) concessions, attracting domestic and international terminal operators and institutional infrastructure investors.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="9,4,0"><b data-path-to-node="9,4,0" data-index-in-node="0">Catalyzing South India's Industrial Hinterland:</b> Expanded deepwater capacity directly benefits export-oriented clusters across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka, providing cost-effective ocean routing for automobiles, electronics, heavy engineering, and renewable energy components.</p></li></ul>