Visakhapatnam Port Undergoes Major Expansion with ₹276 Crore Capacity-Building Initiatives

Visakhapatnam: Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal today unveiled a series of transformative infrastructure and modernisation projects at Visakhapatnam Port, marking a significant stride in India’s maritime ambitions. With an overall investment exceeding ₹276 crore, the initiatives aim to enhance the port’s operational capacity, improve public amenities, and position it as a globally competitive maritime gateway.

The minister laid foundation stones for six key projects worth over ₹116 crore, aimed at building new infrastructure to support growing trade and tourism demands. These include the construction of a B-Ramp within the port area to streamline cargo movement and a new finger jetty and wharf at the fishing harbour to support local fishing communities. Enhancing operational efficiency further, the port will see the addition of two breasting dolphins at the Outer Harbour Single Point Mooring Terminal and an extra ramp connecting the Ambedkar Centenary Flyover to the L-17 corridor. A public promenade near the cruise terminal is also set to be developed to attract tourism, while the construction of toilet blocks across 15 locations within the port area will improve public accessibility and hygiene.

Speaking at the event, Sonowal emphasised that the projects reflect the Modi government’s vision of building world-class port infrastructure that supports economic growth and creates sustainable opportunities. He noted that the strategic investments would not only expand Visakhapatnam Port’s cargo handling capabilities but also enhance its appeal as a hub for cruise tourism and coastal connectivity.

In addition to laying new foundations, the Union Minister inaugurated a series of completed infrastructure and digital projects with a total outlay of ₹159.96 crore. These included the commissioning of the new Oil Refinery Berth-2 and advanced fire-fighting systems at the OSTT berth, both aimed at improving safety and handling capacity for liquid cargo. Infrastructure improvements such as a covered storage shed at the R-10 area, road upgrades from WQ-5 Junction to Essar Junction, and expansion of the customs boundary wall were also unveiled. To bring in smarter and more efficient operations, the port will now be equipped with a new RFID-based gate management system, a modern Port Operating System, and a state-of-the-art Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS), all designed to enhance maritime safety, logistics coordination, and vessel monitoring.

Highlighting the VTMS, Sonowal stated that the system became operational on July 10 and integrates radar, AIS, and CCTV technologies to monitor all vessel movements within port limits. The data is simultaneously shared with the National Maritime Data and Analytics Centre (NMDAC) in Noida, ensuring seamless coordination and real-time oversight.

Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shantanu Thakur, described the launch of these projects as a key milestone in India’s maritime journey. He said the upgraded facilities and digital systems will enhance safety, efficiency, and competitiveness, in line with the country’s ambition to emerge as a global maritime leader.

Visakhapatnam MP M. Sribharat echoed the sentiment and credited Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for accelerating port-led development in the state. He highlighted ongoing plans to establish four new ports and the proposal to build one port every 50 kilometres along the state’s coastline to boost regional connectivity.

MoPSW Secretary T.K. Ramachandran underlined efforts to bridge logistics inefficiencies and modernise port processes under the One Nation-One Port Process (ONOPP) initiative. He also spoke about India’s focus on coastal shipping, cruise tourism, and establishing a unified maritime skills certification system across BIMSTEC nations.

Dr. M. Angamuthu, Chairman of Visakhapatnam Port Authority, reaffirmed the port’s strategic role in India’s maritime landscape and called for collaboration in areas like port-led industrialisation, digital innovation, and maritime skill development. He also emphasised the port’s role in maritime education through the Centre of Excellence in Maritime Skill Development (CEMS).