The National Flag was hoisted by Smt. J. P. Irene Cynthia, IAS, Managing Director, Kamarajar Port Limited, who addressed the gathering and highlighted the Port’s key achievements during FY 2025–26, while outlining its vision for continued growth and contribution to the maritime sector and the Viksit Bharat vision.   During FY 2025–26, Kamarajar Port handled 49.08 million tonnes of cargo through 1,008 vessels. Container throughput reached 7,00,639 TEUs, while automobile handling rose to 1,91,825 units, registering a growth of 18.86%. The Port also recorded a strong financial performance, with revenue of approximately ₹1,280 crore and Profit Before Tax (PBT) of approximately ₹924 crore during the financial year.

These results underscore KPL’s operational efficiency and its growing role in supporting India’s maritime trade.     KPL made significant progress in strengthening its cargo-handling infrastructure during the year. A key milestone was the successful commissioning and operationalisation of Coal Berth 3 (CB-3).   With CB-3 becoming operational, the Port’s installed cargo-handling capacity increased from 58.44 MTPA to 67.44 MTPA, enhancing its ability to meet the country’s growing cargo requirements.   The Port also completed Capital Dredging Phase VI, enabling it to maintain an 18-metre draft. The enhanced navigational capability will facilitate the handling of Cape-size vessels and further strengthen Kamarajar Port’s competitiveness as a major maritime gateway.

KPL is now advancing several major infrastructure and capacity-enhancement projects. With an additional 17.5 MTPA capacity expected to be added by the end of the current financial year, the Port is poised to reach an overall cargo-handling capacity of approximately 85 MTPA.

Major projects under progress include the IOCL Captive Jetty, Coal Berth 4, expansion of the Container Terminal and other strategic capacity-addition initiatives. These projects are aimed at meeting the growing requirements of Indian trade and strengthening KPL’s long-term growth potential.

The Independence Day celebrations also recognised academic excellence and dedicated service among the Port community. The Managing Director distributed cash awards to meritorious children of KPL employees, CISF personnel and Self-Help Group women for the academic year 2025–26. The initiative aims to recognise academic achievement and encourage beneficiaries to pursue higher education and excellence. Certificates were also presented to CISF personnel recognised as “Best Performers” for their dedicated service and contribution to the security and smooth functioning of the Port.      Smt. Irene Cynthia appreciated the commitment and collective efforts of KPL employees and stakeholders, including terminal operators, shipping lines, Customs, CISF, transporters and regulatory agencies, whose coordinated efforts support the efficient functioning and sustained growth of the Port.      Kamarajar Port continues to place strong emphasis on community welfare and inclusive development. Since its inception, the Port has invested more than ₹100 crore in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, covering areas such as education, healthcare, rural development, environmental sustainability and fishermen’s livelihoods.   These initiatives reflect KPL’s commitment to creating a positive and lasting impact on communities in and around the Port.      The 80th Independence Day celebrations reaffirmed Kamarajar Port Limited’s commitment to excellence, sustainability, inclusivity and nation-building. With continued investment in infrastructure, capacity enhancement, employee welfare and community development, KPL remains focused on strengthening India’s maritime growth and supporting the vision of a Viksit Bharat.   Kamarajar Port Limited – Connecting India to the World, Powering the Nation’s Growth.