Phase I of the massive Multi-Modal Logistics Park (MMLP) at Mappedu, aimed at enhancing logistics efficiency, is steadily taking shape and is expected to be ready by April 2026, Sunil Paliwal, chairperson of Chennai Port Authority said.
Talking on the sidelines of Blue Economy Summit Tamil Nadu (BESTN 2025) that was organised by Tamil Nadu Maritime Board (TNMB), Mr.Paliwal ssaid that Chennai Port has been seeing a growth of 9.7%. “Growth is driven by improved containerisation and discount metrics. And GDP is growing fast in this part of the country,” he said.
To a query on impact of tariffs, he said: “If you look at April, May and June – the container growth was high. The exceptional high volume we saw in April and May would have been to beat these tariff deadlines.” He also pointed out that even though tariffs have been in effect there has not been much impact. “Ideally there should have been a strong dip – but we don’t see that much of it. Ultimately people are resilient – there will be some shocks but they will find compensatory mechanism and alternative destinations,” he said.
E.V. Velu, Minister of Public Works, Highways and Minor Ports, Government of Tamil Nadu, said that the coastal economy would play a critical role in Tamil Nadu’s $1 trillion economy journey.
Published – September 19, 2025 12:14 am IST
