Union Minister for Ports, Transport and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Tuesday (June 23, 2026) launched a collection of initiatives of the V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA), aimed toward selling sustainable, technology-driven and academic improvement on the port.
The initiatives have been unveiled at a ceremony held at Transport Bhawan in New Delhi within the presence of senior officers of the Ministry of Ports, Transport and Waterways, representatives of educational establishments, business stakeholders, and VOCPA officers.
Among the many key bulletins was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between VOCPA and Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, Vadodara. The partnership goals to advertise collaboration in maritime logistics, analysis, innovation, capability constructing and sustainable port improvement. It’s also anticipated to pave the best way for the institution of a Centre of Excellence in Maritime Logistics and Port Administration.
The Minister additionally launched an IIM Calcutta case examine titled ‘The Hydrogen Pivot: Orchestrating the Inexperienced Transition at V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority’. The examine highlights the port’s initiatives in renewable vitality, inexperienced hydrogen adoption and sustainable maritime innovation.
In a significant digital initiative, Mr. Sonowal launched the PortGPT cell utility, making VOCPA the primary main port in India to supply an enterprise-grade generative synthetic intelligence platform by means of a devoted cell utility. The app is predicted to help operational effectivity, data administration and data-driven decision-making whereas contributing to the port’s long-term smart-port and Digital Twin imaginative and prescient.
The occasion additionally noticed the discharge of the VOCPA Sustainability Report 2026, titled ‘In the direction of a Inexperienced Maritime Future’. The report outlines the port’s initiatives in renewable vitality adoption, carbon discount and sustainable operations. VOCPA additionally acquired certification recognising it as a Scope-2 Emission-Free Port, reflecting its transition in the direction of clear vitality and low-carbon operations.
One other spotlight was the graduation of Vidya Pravesh for the tutorial 12 months 2026-27 at Kendriya Vidyalaya, VOC Port Authority, by means of video conferencing. Established with the approval of the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, the varsity will initially operate from the Port Faculty campus and supply CBSE training to youngsters of port workers, Central authorities personnel and the area people.
Talking on the event, Mr. Sonowal mentioned the initiatives mirrored the Ministry’s dedication to attaining the objectives outlined beneath Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Imaginative and prescient 2047. He mentioned the tasks demonstrated how ports can contribute to nationwide improvement by means of training, sustainability and know-how.
Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson of VOCPA, added, “This can be a proud day for the VOC Port Authority. The MoU with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya will open new avenues for analysis and talent improvement in maritime logistics, while PortGPT will convey the facility of Generative AI to our day by day operations. Moreover, the opening of Kendriya Vidyalaya on our campus and the discharge of our first Sustainability Report mark our steadfast dedication to our workers, our neighborhood, and our surroundings.”
Revealed – June 23, 2026 07:05 pm IST
