In a major step forward for India’s maritime infrastructure, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, led the launch of a ₹276 crore capacity‑building programme at Visakhapatnam Port. The initiative includes laying foundations for six new infrastructure projects worth over ₹116 crore and the inauguration of completed works totalling ₹159.96 crore.
Foundation‑stone Projects Worth ₹116 Crore
As part of the expansion drive, six key projects to enhance operational capacity and support local fisheries were announced:
- B‑Ramp construction within the port – ₹ 33.49 crore
- Finger jetty and wharf at the fishing harbour – ₹ 32.61 crore
- Two breasting dolphins at OSTT – ₹ 20.87 crore
- Ramp connecting Ambedkar Centenary Flyover to L‑17 corridor – ₹ 8.31 crore
- Public promenade near the cruise terminal – ₹ 15.90 crore
- Toilet blocks at 15 locations throughout the port – ₹ 5.50 crore
Together, these projects aim to streamline cargo operations, bolster local fishermen’s infrastructure, improve passenger experiences, and enhance port accessibility.
Inauguration of Nearly ₹160 Crore Worth of Completed Projects
Minister Sonowal also commissioned several ready-to-use assets designed to boost safety, capacity, and technological sophistication:
- Oil Refinery Berth‑2 – ₹ 42 crore
- Advanced firefighting facilities at OSTT Berth – ₹ 27 crore
- RFID‑based gate management system
- Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS)
These newly launched systems aim to modernize the port’s operations and elevate safety standards, especially around liquid cargo handling.
VTMS Goes Live
Officially operational from July 10, 2025, the new VTMS integrates Automatic Identification System (AIS), radar, and CCTV surveillance within port premises. Backed by a 15‑year radar feed from the Indian Coast Guard, it also transmits vessel data to the National Maritime Domain Awareness Centre (NMDAC) in Noida. This situational awareness capability strengthens traffic management, safety, and navigational oversight.
A Vision for Modern Maritime Growth
Sonowal underscored that the scale and breadth of these capacity‑building and modernization projects align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of maritime transformation. He stated:
“These efforts are set to modernise port infrastructure, improve cargo handling efficiency, and elevate the port’s status as a leading global maritime hub…
We are taking another step towards realising our vision of a globally competitive and sustainable port sector that will benefit generations to come.”
Echoing this sentiment, Union Minister of State Shantanu Thakur highlighted that the completed projects mark “a significant step towards building world‑class maritime infrastructure,” particularly citing the VTMS and other smart systems.
Economic Growth & Maritime Power
The combined ₹276 crore investment is poised to deliver several strategic benefits:
- Enhanced Cargo Handling – Ramps, dolphins, and jetties will reduce vessel turnaround, speeding up port logistics.
- Safety & Fire Preparedness – Advanced firefighting equipment will reduce risks, particularly in high-hazard zones like fuel berths.
- Tourism & Public Engagement – The promenade and facilities support cruise operations and local community engagement.
- Fisheries Support – New infrastructure at the fishing harbour underscores the port’s role in local livelihoods.
- Tech‑driven Port Governance – VTMS and RFID systems signify India’s push towards ‘smart port’ infrastructure.
Also read: MSC Rejects India’s $1.1 Billion Damage Claim, Refuses to Post Bond
Visakhapatnam Port, already a major maritime gateway, is being positioned as a globally competitive hub an important node in the government’s “Sagarmala” initiative, which prioritizes port-led development through modernization and technology integration.
The event was attended by notable dignitaries including: Union Minister of State, Shantanu Thakur, Secretary, MoPSW, T.K. Ramachandran, M. Sribharat, MP for Visakhapatnam, Indra Mani Pandey, Secretary-General of BIMSTEC, Dr. M. Angamuthu, Chairman, Visakhapatnam Port Authority. Their presence highlights the coordinated effort between central and regional administrations, multilateral institutions, and port authority officials to drive this vision.
This ₹276 crore injection at Visakhapatnam is part of a broader national strategy to modernize major Indian ports. Compared to global maritime standards, this scale of investment signals India’s intent to emerge as a key player in Indo-Pacific shipping lanes, while reinforcing local community integration through inclusive infrastructure.
Source: (Press Information Bureau)
