Visakhapatnam Port is set to undergo a significant infrastructure overhaul with the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways launching and inaugurating capacity-building projects worth Rs 2.76 billion. These upgrades aim to strengthen cargo handling, improve vessel traffic management, and enhance public amenities, positioning the port as a modern logistics hub on India’s eastern coast.

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal laid the foundation for six key projects totalling Rs 1.16 billion. These include a new B-Ramp within the port (Rs 334.9 million), a finger jetty with a wharf at the fishing harbour (Rs 326.1 million), and two breasting dolphins at the Outer Harbour Single Point Mooring Terminal (Rs 208.7 million), aimed at expanding berthing and marine capacity. An additional ramp connecting the Ambedkar Centenary Flyover to the L-17 corridor (Rs 83.1 million) is expected to ease cargo movement.

Further, the port will see tourism-focused developments including a public promenade near the cruise terminal (Rs 159 million) and new toilet blocks across 15 locations (Rs 55 million), enhancing visitor and worker amenities.

In terms of commissioned projects, the minister inaugurated works worth Rs 1.6 billion. Highlights include the operationalisation of Oil Refinery Berth-2 (Rs 420 million), upgraded fire-fighting systems at the OSTT terminal (Rs 270 million), a covered shed in the R-10 area (Rs 225 million), road strengthening (Rs 196.9 million), and an extended customs boundary wall (Rs 71.7 million).

Digitally, the port is being strengthened through a new RFID-based gate system (Rs 150 million), an upgraded Port Operating System (Rs 107.7 million), and a state-of-the-art Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS) worth Rs 158.3 million. The VTMS integrates AIS, radar, and CCTV for real-time vessel tracking, enhancing safety and efficiency. The system will be supported by a 15-year radar data feed from the Indian Coast Guard.