Sonowal Launches Rs 230-Crore Port Infrastructure Projects at Visakhapatnam Port

Visakhapatnam:

Port Wings News Network:

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on 10 January 2026 launched a series of port infrastructure development projects worth ₹230 crore at the Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA), on the sidelines of the Indian Lighthouse Festival 3.0 held in Visakhapatnam.

The projects are aimed at strengthening safety systems, enhancing ship repair capabilities, modernising administrative infrastructure and improving residential facilities at the port, in line with the government’s vision of building world-class, future-ready maritime infrastructure.

Speaking on the occasion, Sonowal said, “Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, India’s ports are being transformed into engines of growth, safety and global competitiveness. The initiatives launched today at Visakhapatnam Port strengthen capacity, safety and operational efficiency, reinforce Vizag’s role as a modern maritime gateway, and empower India’s eastern coast—advancing our collective goal of a Viksit Bharat and positioning India among the world’s leading maritime nations.”

Among the projects launched is the upgradation of fire-fighting facilities at the LPG berth to accommodate vessels of 40,000 DWT and above, in compliance with OISD-156 safety guidelines. The project, with an investment of ₹52.24 crore will significantly enhance safety preparedness at the port.

To augment ship repair and maintenance capacity, the Union Minister also launched the upgradation and development of infrastructure facilities at the ORS Dry Dock, to be leased on a licence basis for 15 years. The project entails an investment of ₹35.87 crore and is expected to support maritime repair activities and generate additional employment opportunities.

Sonowal also announced setting up of India Ship Technology Centre (ISTC) a first of its kind Centre of Excellence in Visakhapatnam, to be developed under India Maritime University (IMU). The entity will help develop India’s capabilities related to shipbuilding design, training of manpower, R&D in shipbuilding and co-ordination for testing facilities.

In addition, construction of a new Administrative Office Building (AOB) at a cost of ₹97.70 crore was launched to modernise office infrastructure and improve operational efficiency at the port. The minister also launched the construction of residential apartments at Harbour Park, with an investment of ₹44.20 crore, aimed at enhancing housing facilities and welfare for port employees.

India’s maritime sector has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade through major policy and infrastructure reforms. In 2024–25, the country’s 12 major ports handled a record 855 million tonnes of cargo, while average vessel turnaround time was reduced from 96 hours in 2014 to 49.5 hours in 2025, placing Indian ports among the world’s most efficient.

Today, nine Indian ports feature among the global top 100, with Visakhapatnam Port ranking in the top 20 for container traffic. The momentum has been strengthened by the Sagarmala Programme, under which 272 projects worth ₹1.41 lakh crore have been completed, alongside a sharp revival of inland waterways, where cargo movement has risen over 700% to nearly 150 million tonnes annually.