Visakhapatnam – Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal officially launched a major ₹276 crore infrastructure upgrade at Visakhapatnam Port. His initiative includes foundational work on six primary projects totaling ₹116 crore, alongside commissioning upgrades worth ₹160 crore aimed at strengthening the port’s efficiency and global standing.
Four Key Projects to Expand Port Capacity
The ₹116 crore investment focuses on core infrastructure:
- Construction of a B‑Ramp inside the port area — ₹33.49 crore
- New finger jetty & wharf for fishing harbour — ₹32.61 crore
- Two breasting dolphins at OSTT — ₹20.87 crore
- Additional road ramp connecting Ambedkar Centenary Flyover to L‑17 corridor — ₹8.31 crore
- Promenade near cruise terminal for public engagement — ₹15.90 crore
- Toilet blocks at 15 locations — ₹5.50 crore
Modernisation Agenda Fully Rolled Out
A further ₹159.96 crore bundle was inaugurated, including:
- Oil Refinery Berth‑2 commissioned — ₹42 crore
- Advanced firefighting systems at OSTT berth — ₹27 crore
- Covered storage shed in R‑10 area — ₹22.50 crore
- Road upgrade from WQ‑5 Junction to Essar Junction — ₹19.69 crore
- Customs boundary wall expansion — ₹7.17 crore
- RFID-based gate management system — ₹15 crore
- New Port Operating System — ₹10.77 crore
- Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS) with radar support — ₹15.83 crore
VTMS went live on July 10, 2025, integrating AIS, radar, CCTV, and coast guard data to monitor vessels and share information with Noida’s NMDAC.
Also Read: Madhya Pradesh Semiconductor Policy Spurs Rs 352 Crore Investment in Bhopal
Leadership Highlights Development Vision
Sonowal framed the upgrades under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, saying they advance Visakhapatnam Port into global competitiveness. He lauded the projects for boosting trade, safety, efficiency, and job creation.
Union Minister of State Shantanu Thakur added that modern tech—like VTMS and digital systems—reinforces India’s goal of world-class port infrastructure and maritime leadership.
MP M. Sribharat credited Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu for driving port-led growth. He noted the state is planning additional ports and aims to have one every 50 km along the coast.
Broader Strategy: National Standards & Maritime Integration
Speaking at the event, MoPSW Secretary T.K. Ramachandran highlighted the One Nation–One Port Process (ONOPP) for uniform standards, and promotion of coastal shipping, BIMSTEC maritime certifications, and cruise tourism.
Visakhapatnam Port Authority Chairman Dr M. Angamuthu emphasised the hub’s strategic importance. He advocated for greater industry partnerships, digital integration, skill development, and the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Maritime Skill Development (CEMS).
Also Read: Gujarat Emerges as India’s Leader in Processed Potato Production for French Fries & Wafers
