InfrastructureRise of Dravidian rule
The new all-weather harbour at Tuticorin began operations as a major port, now known as V. O. Chidambaranar Port.
The deep-water port at Tuticorin (Thoothukudi) was opened in 1974 as one of India's major ports. The port was later renamed V. O. Chidambaranar Port after the freedom fighter who founded the Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company at Tuticorin. It became a key gateway for trade in the southern districts of Tamil Nadu.
V. O. Chidambaram Pillai founds the Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company
To compete with British lines on the Tuticorin-Colombo route, V. O. Chidambaram Pillai registered an Indian-owned shipping firm.
Nadar Bank founded at Thoothukudi
Founded at Thoothukudi, the Nadar Bank was later renamed Tamilnad Mercantile Bank.
Death of V. O. Chidambaram Pillai
Nationalist pioneer V. O. Chidambaram Pillai, who had started the Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company, died in Thoothukudi.
Poompuhar Shipping Corporation founded
The state-owned Poompuhar Shipping Corporation was founded; it later ran the ferries to the Vivekananda Rock at Kanyakumari.
First unit of Tuticorin Thermal Power Station commissioned
The first unit of the coal-fired Tuticorin Thermal Power Station was commissioned, with further units added through 1992.
Thoothukudi (Tuticorin) district was carved out of Tirunelveli district on 20 October 1986.
