Rs 230-Crore Infrastructure Projects Launched at Visakhapatnam Port to Boost Capacity and Efficiency

India’s maritime infrastructure push received a boost with the foundation stone being laid for four major projects worth Rs 230 crore at the Visakhapatnam Port Authority. The foundation ceremony was held on the sidelines of the Indian Lighthouse Festival 3.0 in Visakhapatnam and was led by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal.

Addressing the gathering, the minister said Visakhapatnam Port is poised to cross 100 million tonnes of cargo handling in the coming years, underlining its growing importance in India’s maritime trade network. He noted that the port already ranks among the top 100 ports globally and plays a critical role in supporting industrial growth and exports along the eastern coast.

The projects announced focus on improving operational efficiency, safety infrastructure, administrative capacity, and residential facilities at the port. A key component is the upgradation of firefighting systems at the LPG berth, involving an investment of approximately Rs 52 crore, aimed at strengthening safety standards. Another major initiative is the modernisation of the ORS Dry Dock at a cost of around Rs 36 crore, which is expected to enhance ship repair capabilities and generate additional revenue for the port.

The infrastructure package also includes the construction of a G+9 Dr B R Ambedkar Administrative Bhavan with green building features, with an investment of nearly Rs 98 crore. In addition, residential apartments will be developed at Harbour Park at a cost of about Rs 44 crore to improve living facilities for port employees.

Chairman of the Visakhapatnam Port Authority, M Angamuthu, said the projects would significantly improve operational performance while delivering long-term benefits to stakeholders. The initiatives align with the government’s broader vision of modernising ports under the Sagarmala framework and improving logistics efficiency across the country.

During the event, the minister also distributed course completion certificates to trainees from the Centre of Excellence in Maritime and Shipbuilding, highlighting the focus on skill development alongside infrastructure creation. Together, these projects mark an important step in strengthening Visakhapatnam Port’s role as a key maritime gateway for India.