The V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA) successfully hosted a pioneering session titled ‘AI-Powered Ports: Reimagining Efficiency and Operations’ at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 on February 17 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Conceived as a first-of-its-kind initiative by an Indian port, the session marked a significant step in positioning India’s maritime infrastructure within the country’s broader artificial intelligence transformation journey. Co-organised in collaboration with the Institute for Governance, Policies and Politics (IGPP), the session brought together senior policymakers, industry leaders and infrastructure experts to deliberate on the evolving role of AI in India’s maritime ecosystem. The discussion moved beyond the conventional narrative of “Smart Ports” and introduced the idea of “Thinking Ports” — ports that do not simply automate processes, but integrate intelligence into governance, logistics and long-term planning. The dialogue examined how AI-driven systems can enhance operational efficiency, strengthen predictive maintenance, optimise cargo movement, and improve strategic trade facilitation. Speakers underscored that as ports remain central to India’s economic growth and global competitiveness, embedding intelligence within critical infrastructure is no longer optional — it is imperative.
The panel featured Prof. (Dr.) Gourav Vallabh, Member, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister; T. K. Ramachandran, IAS Former Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways; Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority; Manish Jaiswal, Chief Technology Officer, J M Baxi Group; Subrat Tripathy, Advisor, Adani Group; Rajesh Soundararajan, IAS, Deputy Chairperson, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority; Dr. Manish Tiwari, Director, IGPP; and Ms. Aprajita Rana, Partner, AZB & Partners . The exchange was marked by practical insights as much as vision. Panellists reflected not only on technological opportunity, but also on institutional readiness, regulatory coordination and the importance of building resilient, interoperable systems. The session drew participation from professionals across engineering, logistics, public policy and allied disciplines, along with students and emerging practitioners keen to engage with the future of AI-enabled infrastructure. Importantly, the summit engagement followed a pre-event AI-focused summit hosted by VOC Port in Tuticorin on 9th February 2026, where early discussions were initiated on integrating advanced technologies into maritime operations. Together, these efforts signal VOCPA’s sustained commitment to leading innovation within India’s port ecosystem. By placing AI at the centre of maritime strategy, VOCPA has initiated a meaningful national conversation — one that positions Indian ports not just as gateways of trade, but as intelligent, responsive pillars of economic transformation.
