The Indian Institute of Technology, Madras recommended the Tamil Nadu government to develop  the proposed port at Nagapattinam as an ‘all weather, deep water, direct berthing port.

The state government would conduct the bidding process for the Rs 380 cr project based on recommendations of a technical sub-committee headed by Joint Finance Secretary.

The state government roped in Mumbai-based i-maritime Consultancy for advising on the bidding process for the project.

Neighbouring districts like Villupuram, Salem, Namakkal, Karur, Thanjavur, Thiruvarur, Erode would serve as the primary and secondary hinterland of the proposed port.

Meanwhile, it is learnt that the newly set up Kattupalli port near Chennai, can handle containers, general and project cargo and automobiles.

The port was set up by a joint venture company - L&T Shipbuilding - formed between Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation and L&T Mumbai.

Also it is learnt that the state government gave an in-principle approval to power producer NTPC for setting up a port to handle coal for its proposed power plant at Marakkanam in Villupuram district.