JSW Infrastructure is nearing completion of its ₹600-crore (Rs.6 billion) mechanised dry bulk terminal at V.O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port, Thoothukudi, with commissioning expected during the fourth quarter of FY2026-27.
The project marks a significant milestone in India’s port modernisation programme and is expected to substantially enhance dry bulk cargo handling efficiency on the country’s east coast.
Developed under the Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) model, the terminal will feature an annual handling capacity of 7 million tonnes (MTPA) and operate under a 30-year concession agreement signed in July 2024.
Once operational, the mechanised facility will reduce cargo handling time, improve vessel turnaround, minimise manual operations and enable the port to efficiently handle larger dry bulk vessels.
Project Highlights
Particular
Details
Project Cost
₹600 Crore (Rs.6 billion)
Location
VOC Port, Thoothukudi
Developer
JSW Infrastructure
Capacity
7 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA)
Completion Target
Q4 FY2026-27
Concession Period
30 Years
Development Model
DBFOT
Cargo Type
Mechanised Dry Bulk Terminal
Construction Progress
According to JSW Infrastructure’s latest investor presentation:
- Civil works for the conveyor system have been completed.
- Building construction is progressing as scheduled.
- The project remains on track for commissioning in Q4 FY2026-27.
- Interim cargo operations are currently being handled using two mobile harbour cranes.
Despite ongoing construction, the terminal handled 1.39 million tonnes of cargo during Q1 FY2026-27,? demonstrating strong demand for dry bulk handling services at the port.
Cargo Commodities to be Handled
The mechanised terminal has been designed to efficiently handle multiple dry bulk commodities, including:
- Coal
- Coke
- Limestone
- Gypsum
- Rock Phosphate
- Copper Concentrate
The automated conveyor system is expected to improve cargo flow while reducing handling losses and operational delays.
Capacity Expansion in Tamil Nadu
Following commissioning of the VOC Port terminal, JSW Infrastructure’s total bulk cargo handling capacity in Tamil Nadu will increase to 20 MTPA.
Terminal
Capacity
Ennore Coal Terminal
11 MTPA
Ennore Bulk Cargo Terminal
2 MTPA
VOC Mechanised Terminal
7 MTPA
Total Capacity
20 MTPA
Why This Project Matters
The mechanised terminal is expected to deliver several operational advantages:
- Faster vessel turnaround time
- Higher cargo evacuation efficiency
- Reduced logistics costs
- Increased handling capacity
- Improved operational safety
- Lower cargo losses
- Capability to accommodate larger vessels
- Enhanced competitiveness of VOC Port
Industry experts believe the project will strengthen Thoothukudi’s position as one of India’s leading gateways for dry bulk cargo movement.
Investment Snapshot
Metric
Value
Investment
₹600 Crore
Annual Capacity
7 MTPA
Cargo in Q1 FY2026-27
1.39 Million Tonnes
Total JSW Capacity in Tamil Nadu
20 MTPA
Concession
30 Years
Infrastructure Components
- Fully mechanised conveyor system
- Modern cargo transfer equipment
- Automated material handling
- Bulk storage infrastructure
- High-capacity unloading facilities
- Mobile harbour cranes (interim operations)
Industry Outlook
India continues to accelerate investments in mechanised port infrastructure to improve cargo handling efficiency, reduce logistics costs and support growing industrial demand. Projects such as the VOC Port mechanised terminal align with the government’s broader vision of expanding port capacity, modernising maritime infrastructure and enhancing multimodal connectivity. As cargo volumes continue to rise, mechanised terminals are expected to play a critical role in increasing throughput while improving turnaround times and operational productivity.
Key Takeaways
- JSW Infrastructure's ₹600-crore mechanised dry bulk terminal is expected to be completed in Q4 FY2026-27.
- The project will add 7 MTPA of annual cargo handling capacity at VOC Port.
- The terminal is being developed under a 30-year DBFOT concession.
- Conveyor system civil works have already been completed.
- Conveyor system civil works have already been completed.
- Interim operations handled 1.39 million tonnes during Q1 FY2026-27.
- JSW Infrastructure's total bulk handling capacity in Tamil Nadu will reach 20 MTPA after commissioning.
FAQs
What is the JSW Infrastructure mechanised dry bulk terminal at VOC Port?
The JSW Infrastructure mechanised dry bulk terminal is a ₹600-crore port infrastructure project being developed at V.O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port, Thoothukudi, under the Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) model. The terminal will have an annual handling capacity of 7 million tonnes (7 MTPA) and is expected to be commissioned in Q4 FY2026-27.
What cargo will the new VOC Port terminal handle?
The mechanised terminal is designed to handle a wide range of dry bulk cargo, including:
- Coal
- Coke
- Limestone
- Gypsum
- Rock Phosphate
- Copper Concentrate
Its automated conveyor system will improve cargo movement, reduce handling losses, and increase operational efficiency.
What are the benefits of the mechanised dry bulk terminal at VOC Port?
The new terminal will offer several operational and logistics benefits, including:
- Faster vessel turnaround times
- Higher cargo handling efficiency
- Reduced logistics and operational costs
- Lower cargo losses through mechanised handling
- Improved safety with automated equipment
- Capacity to handle larger bulk vessels
- Enhanced competitiveness of VOC Port on India's east coast
When will the JSW Infrastructure terminal at VOC Port become operational?
According to JSW Infrastructure, the ₹600-crore mechanised dry bulk terminal is on track for commissioning during Q4 FY2026-27. Civil works for the conveyor system have been completed, while building construction is progressing as scheduled. Interim cargo operations are already being supported using mobile harbour cranes.
How will the VOC Port project impact JSW Infrastructure's cargo handling capacity?
After the VOC Port terminal becomes operational, JSW Infrastructure’s total bulk cargo handling capacity in Tamil Nadu will increase to 20 million tonnes per annum (20 MTPA). This includes:
- Ennore Coal Terminal: 11 MTPA
- Ennore Bulk Cargo Terminal: 2 MTPA
- VOC Mechanised Dry Bulk Terminal: 7 MTPA
The expansion will strengthen the company’s presence in South India and support growing industrial and maritime trade demand.
