The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has approved a Rs 334.89-crore internal flyover at the Visakhapatnam Port Authority, aimed at improving cargo evacuation, reducing traffic congestion and streamlining movement within the port premises.
What does the approved project cover?
The proposed 3.584 km elevated corridor will connect Convent Junction with the Dock Area, separating road and rail traffic within the port. The project is designed to address delays at nine major railway level crossings, which currently see about 18 gate closures a day due to high train exchange volumes. Frequent closures have contributed to congestion, longer vehicle waiting times, higher fuel consumption and increased vehicle operating costs, all of which affect the efficiency of cargo evacuation.
Who approved the project and what did the Minister say?
The project was approved by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal and appraised by the Delegated Investment Board, chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. Sonowal said the project will remove a critical bottleneck at Visakhapatnam Port, enabling faster cargo movement and improving overall operational efficiency, adding that the government remains committed to building modern, seamless and globally competitive port infrastructure.
What does the project’s scope of work include?
The flyover project will include associated civil and electrical works, utility shifting, safety installations and five years of maintenance. Construction will be planned to minimise disruption to ongoing port operations, particularly in critical dock areas, with the elevated corridor expected to reduce conflicts between road and rail traffic while enabling smoother vehicle and cargo movement.
How does this align with India’s broader infrastructure planning goals?
Sonowal said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has transformed India’s maritime sector into a key driver of economic growth, self-reliance and national development, with stronger infrastructure, progressive reforms and greater investment building a globally competitive maritime ecosystem in support of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047. The investment is aligned with the government’s broader focus on integrated infrastructure planning under the PM GatiShakti framework.
What is the timeline for completion?
The project is scheduled for completion within 30 months of commencement, after which the elevated corridor is expected to strengthen Visakhapatnam Port’s role in India’s maritime logistics and trade network by improving last-mile connectivity and enabling faster cargo evacuation.
