Port

Pondicherry has an old port located near the Light House and a new port near Ariyankuppam. A cargo quay 150 metres long has been constructed in order to avoid the multiple handling of cargo. The handling capacity of the port has also been increased significantly to around 1000 to 1500 tonnes per day. The port is also equipped with cargo handling equipment like launchers, cranes, tractors and trailers.

At present, however, the port is not being used much by industry. Besides for molasses, few goods are currently being transported through the port despite the modernisation of the port facility. There are a number of reasons for this. Container facilities are still limited at the port. Moreover, the Port Authority is not actively seeking business by offering industry incentives to use its facilities.

Efforts will have to be stepped up so as to activate the port and encourage industry to utilise it. While Pondicherry cannot compete with large ports in Chennai and Tuticorin, a medium size port itself will help industry considerably. Although plans to privatise the port have fallen through in the past, initiative should be taken to involve private parties once again. In the short run, the government’s plan to set up a Port Corporation must be pursued much more aggressively.