Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, inaugurated a series of developmental projects at the Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) on Monday, aimed at enhancing port operations, digital integration, and employee welfare.

Among the major projects inaugurated was the Operation and Maintenance of the East Quay (EQ)-1A Terminal, awarded to Green Energy Resources, with an investment of Rs 1.3 billion (Rs 130 crore). The project includes the deployment of two 120-tonne harbour mobile cranes and supporting infrastructure for a 5.1-year period, increasing the port’s cargo handling capacity by 3 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA).

This initiative is expected to create around 150 jobs, reduce logistics costs, and strengthen Visakhapatnam Port’s position as a leading cargo hub on India’s East Coast.

The Minister also inaugurated the Smart Video Surveillance Project, valued at Rs 375.3 million (Rs 37.53 crore), implemented by RailTel Corporation of India Ltd., Hyderabad. The project integrates AI and machine learning-based video analytics, Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, and an Integrated Command Control Centre (ICCC) with five years of operation and maintenance support.

Designed to be completed within 12 months, the surveillance project will enhance security, improve operational efficiency, and ensure regulatory compliance. It will also enable real-time monitoring, asset tracking, and predictive analytics, transforming VPA into a technologically advanced “Smart Port.”

Another initiative launched was the Digital Health Card System, executed by Triunfador Pvt. Ltd., Visakhapatnam, with an investment of Rs 10 million (Rs 1 crore). The project, expected to be completed within three months, will enable digital access to medical records for employees, pensioners, and their dependents through Aadhaar or QR-linked smart health cards.

Visakhapatnam MP Bharat, Visakhapatnam South MLA Ch. Vamsi Krishna Srinivas Yadav, Visakhapatnam North MLA P. Vishnu Kumar Raju, and senior officials attended the event.