WATCH : IndiaAI Impact Summit 2026 | AI-Powered Ports: Reimagining Efficiency and Operations.

WATCH Live : AI-Powered Ports: Reimagining Efficiency and Operations. About this event - 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 17 February at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Conceived as a first-of-its-kind initiative by an Indian port, the session marked a significant milestone in aligning maritime infrastructure with India’s accelerating artificial intelligence agenda. Co-organised with the Institute for Governance, Policies and Politics (IGPP), the session convened senior policymakers, industry leaders and domain experts to reflect on the evolving role of AI within India’s maritime ecosystem. Moving beyond the conventional notion of “Smart Ports,” the discussion introduced the concept of “Thinking Ports” — where intelligence is embedded into operational systems, governance mechanisms and long-term trade strategy. The dialogue examined how AI-driven tools can strengthen predictive maintenance, enhance cargo flow optimisation, reduce operational inefficiencies and enable more responsive decision-making frameworks. As India advances its global trade ambitions, speakers emphasised that ports must evolve into intelligent infrastructure systems capable of real-time adaptation and strategic coordination. The panel featured Prof. (Dr.) Gourav Vallabh, Member, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister; Shri T. K. Ramachandran, Former Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways; Shri Manish Jaiswal, Chief Technology Officer, J M Baxi Group; Shri Subrat Tripathy, Advisor, Adani Group; Shri Rajesh Soundararajan, IAS, Deputy Chairperson, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority; Dr. Manish Tiwari, Director, IGPP; and Ms. Aprajita Rana, Partner, AZB & Partners. After the session, Shri Susanta Kumar Purohit, Chairperson, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, underscored the strategic importance of technological transformation. He said, “Artificial intelligence is not merely a technological upgrade for ports; it is a structural shift in how we plan, operate and govern maritime infrastructure. At VOC Port, we are committed to building systems that think ahead—systems that enhance efficiency, transparency and resilience. This initiative reflects our vision of positioning Indian ports at the forefront of intelligent infrastructure development.” The deliberations were pragmatic and forward-looking. Panellists spoke about implementation challenges — from institutional readiness and regulatory alignment to cybersecurity safeguards and interoperable digital systems. At the same time, there was a shared recognition that the maritime sector must proactively adapt if it is to remain competitive in an increasingly data-driven global economy. The summit session followed a pre-event AI-focused summit hosted by VOC Port in Tuticorin on 9 February 2026, where initial discussions began on embedding advanced technologies into port operations. Together, these engagements demonstrate VOCPA’s sustained commitment to innovation and sectoral leadership. By initiating this national-level conversation at Bharat Mandapam, VOCPA has signalled a clear intent: Indian ports are ready not only to adopt technology, but to shape the future of intelligent maritime infrastructure. 📍 Bharat Mandapam, West Wing – Room 4B, New Delhi 📅 17 February 2026 #VOCPortAPortOfTheFuture #VOCPortTuticorin #AIinPorts #AIInMaritime #IndiaAIImpactSummit2026 #AIForPeople #ResponsibleAI #DigitalIndia