Visakhapatnam Port: Union Minister Sonowal Unveils ₹276 Crore Capacity Enhancements

Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh – In a significant development set to fortify India’s maritime capabilities, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, on Monday, July 14, 2025, inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for a series of transformative capacity building initiatives at the Visakhapatnam Port. These projects, collectively valued at over ₹276 crore, underscore a resolute commitment to modernizing port infrastructure, enhancing operational efficiency, and elevating Visakhapatnam’s standing as a premier global maritime hub.

Empowering Visakhapatnam Port: A New Era of Growth

The Union Minister’s visit marked a pivotal moment for Visakhapatnam Port, initiating a new era of growth and development. These capacity building measures are not merely about infrastructure; they are about fostering economic growth, creating new opportunities, and strengthening India’s strategic position in global trade. The comprehensive plan encompasses both new projects for which foundation stones were laid and those that have been successfully completed and inaugurated, reflecting a multi-faceted approach to port development.

Laying the Foundation for Future Success: Key Projects Unveiled

A substantial portion of the investment, over ₹116 crore, has been allocated to six new projects designed to bolster the port’s capacity and streamline maritime operations. These initiatives include:

• Construction of a B-Ramp: A crucial addition within the port area, this project, valued at ₹33.49 crore, will significantly improve cargo movement efficiency.
• New Finger Jetty and Wharf at the Fishing Harbour: With an investment of ₹32.61 crore, this project is set to boost cargo handling specifically for the local fishing community, providing a much-needed upgrade to their facilities.
• Additional Breasting Dolphins at OSTT: Valued at ₹20.87 crore, these additions will enhance the port’s ability to accommodate a wider range of vessels and improve berthing efficiency.
• An Additional Ramp Linking Ambedkar Centenary Flyover to L-17 Corridor: This ₹8.31 crore project aims to ease traffic congestion and improve connectivity to the port’s vital corridors.
• Public Promenade Near the Cruise Terminal: A thoughtful investment of ₹15.90 crore, this promenade will not only enhance the aesthetics around the cruise terminal but also serve as a dedicated space to promote cruise tourism and public engagement.
• Construction of Toilet Blocks at 15 Locations: A people-centric initiative worth ₹5.50 crore, these new facilities across the port area will significantly improve amenities and accessibility for all port users.

These foundational projects are expected to lay a robust groundwork for Visakhapatnam Port’s long-term expansion and operational excellence.

Inaugurating Modern Marvels: Boosting Efficiency and Safety

Beyond the foundational projects, Union Minister Sonowal also inaugurated a series of completed projects with a total outlay of ₹159.96 crore. These commissioned initiatives are set to immediately enhance the port’s operational capabilities and safety standards:

• New Oil Refinery Berth-2 and Advanced Fire-Fighting Facilities at OSTT Berth: A substantial investment of ₹42 crore for the berth and ₹27 crore for the fire-fighting facilities, these additions significantly enhance safety and capacity for liquid cargo handling.
• Covered Storage Shed at R-10 Area: This ₹22.50 crore project provides crucial covered storage, protecting goods and streamlining logistics.
• Road Improvements from WQ-5 Junction to Essar Junction: With an outlay of ₹19.69 crore, these road upgrades will improve internal port connectivity and reduce transit times.
• Expansion of the Customs Boundary Wall: A ₹7.17 crore project, this expansion contributes to enhanced security and operational integrity.
• New RFID Gate Management System: A modern solution valued at ₹15 crore, this system will bring greater efficiency and security to access control within the port.
• Modern Port Operating System: An investment of ₹10.77 crore, this digital upgrade aims to streamline port operations and improve overall management.
• State-of-the-art Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS): Operational since July 10, 2025, and costing ₹15.83 crore, this advanced system integrates AIS, radar, and CCTV monitoring of all crafts within port limits, significantly enhancing navigational safety and operational efficiency. The VTMS is further supported by a 15-year radar feed from the Indian Coast Guard.

These inaugurated projects showcase the immediate impact of the government’s investment in upgrading Visakhapatnam Port’s infrastructure and adopting cutting-edge technology.

Vision for a Global Maritime Hub

Speaking at the launch, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to building world-class port infrastructure. He emphasized that these initiatives are guided by the transformative vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, aiming to propel Visakhapatnam Port into a globally competitive maritime hub. The focus is not only on increasing cargo handling capacity but also on improving safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability.

The minister also highlighted broader reforms and initiatives, including the “One Nation-One Port Process” for process standardization, a BIMSTEC-wide maritime skill certification system, and measures to boost coastal shipping and cruise tourism. These efforts collectively aim to foster a dynamic and efficient maritime sector across India.

Dr. M. Angamuthu, Chairman of the Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA), underscored the port’s strategic location and its role in maritime education, skill development, and digital integration. The Centre of Excellence in Maritime Skill Development (CEMS) at Visakhapatnam is set to further solidify the port’s position as a hub for maritime training and innovation.

The launch of these substantial capacity building projects at Visakhapatnam Port is a promising step forward for India’s maritime aspirations. It reflects a strategic vision to enhance trade, create employment opportunities, and position the nation prominently on the global shipping and logistics map. The future looks undeniably bright for Visakhapatnam Port as it embarks on this accelerated path of modernization and growth.