Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal laid the foundation stone for four major infrastructure projects of the Visakhapatnam Port Authority, involving a total investment of ₹230 crore. The ceremony was held at Sagaramala Conventions in Saligrampuram, Visakhapatnam.
Speaking at the event, the Minister said Visakhapatnam Port is well positioned to cross 100 million metric tons of cargo throughput in the coming years. He described the port as one of India’s top-performing maritime gateways and noted that it features among the world’s top 100 ports, reflecting its growing global stature.
Visakhapatnam Port Authority Chairman M. Angamuthu said the new projects are aimed at strengthening the port’s safety mechanisms, operational infrastructure, administrative facilities and residential amenities, in line with future growth requirements.Visakhapatnam Port projects
The projects include the upgradation of firefighting facilities at the LPG berth at an estimated cost of ₹52.23 crore to comply with Oil Industry Safety Directorate norms. Another key initiative is the modernisation of the ORS Dry Dock, costing ₹35.87 crore, which is expected to enhance ship repair capabilities and improve revenue generation. The port will also construct a G+9 Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Administrative Bhavan, designed to green building standards, at a cost of ₹97.70 crore. In addition, residential apartments will be developed at Harbour Park with an investment of ₹44.20 crore, supporting land monetization efforts while improving housing facilities.
Visakhapatnam South MLA Vamsikrishna Srinivas Yadav said the city’s rapid industrial growth is emerging as a key catalyst for regional development. Visakhapatnam North MLA Vishnukumar Raju highlighted the port’s corporate social responsibility initiatives, noting their positive impact on underserved communities.
Visakhapatnam MP M. Sribharat underscored the port’s longstanding contribution to the city’s economic development and expressed confidence that the newly launched projects would be completed on schedule for the benefit of all stakeholders.
Following the foundation-laying ceremony, the Union Minister presented course completion certificates and placement orders to students trained at the Centre of Excellence in Maritime and Shipbuilding. The program is supported by the Visakhapatnam Port Authority and focuses on building skilled manpower for the maritime and shipbuilding sectors.
