Rs 2.76 Billion Upgrade for Vizag at BIMSTEC Conclave

17 Jul 2025 CW Team

Infrastructure and capacity-building projects totalling Rs 2.76 billion were unveiled for Visakhapatnam Port. Foundation stones were laid for six major initiatives amounting to over Rs 1.16 billion, including the construction of a new B-Ramp, a finger jetty and wharf at the Fishing Harbour, and two breasting dolphins at the Oil Streamer Terminal to enhance liquid cargo handling. A new ramp will link the Ambedkar Centenary Flyover to the L-17 corridor, while public amenities will be improved through a promenade near the cruise terminal and toilet blocks at 15 locations.

Further modernisation works worth nearly Rs 1.6 billion were inaugurated. Key projects included the commissioning of a new Oil Refinery Berth-2, deployment of advanced fire-fighting systems at OSTT Berth, and the construction of a covered storage shed. Road upgrades and a fortified customs boundary wall were also completed. On the technology front, the port adopted a new RFID-based gate system, next-generation Port Operating System, and a modern Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS) to improve safety and operational transparency.

Visakhapatnam Port Authority Chairman M Angamuthu emphasised the port’s role in regional maritime trade and urged BIMSTEC nations to collaborate on port-led industrialisation, digital maritime infrastructure, and skill development. He also highlighted the contribution of the Centre of Excellence in Maritime Skill Development (CEMS) in making Visakhapatnam a national training hub.

Union Minister Sonowal outlined India’s maritime development vision under the PM Gati Shakti initiative and India@2047 roadmap. BIMSTEC Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey discussed Vision 2030, mentioning 267 ongoing transport connectivity projects and proposing a BIMSTEC Centre of Excellence in Maritime Transport in Visakhapatnam. He also called for real-time cargo tracking and sustainable port practices.

Minister of State Shantanu Thakur and Secretary TK Ramachandran reaffirmed support for deeper maritime cooperation. Visakhapatnam MP M Sribharat noted that Andhra Pradesh aims to develop four new ports and establish one port every 50 kilometres along its coastline.

Visakhapatnam hosted the second BIMSTEC Ports Conclave on 14–15 July 2025, with delegates from all seven member nations—India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand—in attendance. Inaugurated by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, the conclave placed Visakhapatnam firmly on the international maritime map.Infrastructure and capacity-building projects totalling Rs 2.76 billion were unveiled for Visakhapatnam Port. Foundation stones were laid for six major initiatives amounting to over Rs 1.16 billion, including the construction of a new B-Ramp, a finger jetty and wharf at the Fishing Harbour, and two breasting dolphins at the Oil Streamer Terminal to enhance liquid cargo handling. A new ramp will link the Ambedkar Centenary Flyover to the L-17 corridor, while public amenities will be improved through a promenade near the cruise terminal and toilet blocks at 15 locations.Further modernisation works worth nearly Rs 1.6 billion were inaugurated. Key projects included the commissioning of a new Oil Refinery Berth-2, deployment of advanced fire-fighting systems at OSTT Berth, and the construction of a covered storage shed. Road upgrades and a fortified customs boundary wall were also completed. On the technology front, the port adopted a new RFID-based gate system, next-generation Port Operating System, and a modern Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS) to improve safety and operational transparency.Visakhapatnam Port Authority Chairman M Angamuthu emphasised the port’s role in regional maritime trade and urged BIMSTEC nations to collaborate on port-led industrialisation, digital maritime infrastructure, and skill development. He also highlighted the contribution of the Centre of Excellence in Maritime Skill Development (CEMS) in making Visakhapatnam a national training hub.Union Minister Sonowal outlined India’s maritime development vision under the PM Gati Shakti initiative and India@2047 roadmap. BIMSTEC Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey discussed Vision 2030, mentioning 267 ongoing transport connectivity projects and proposing a BIMSTEC Centre of Excellence in Maritime Transport in Visakhapatnam. He also called for real-time cargo tracking and sustainable port practices.Minister of State Shantanu Thakur and Secretary TK Ramachandran reaffirmed support for deeper maritime cooperation. Visakhapatnam MP M Sribharat noted that Andhra Pradesh aims to develop four new ports and establish one port every 50 kilometres along its coastline.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Apr 2026

CFI Appoints New National Council for FY27 and FY28

The Construction Federation of India (CFI) has announced its newly elected National Council and office bearers for a two-year term covering FY27 and FY28. M. V. Satish, Advisor to CMD and Lead Ambassador for Middle East, L&T, has been elected President; Priti Patel, Chief Strategy & Growth Officer, Tata Projects, has been appointed Vice President; and Ajit Bhate, Managing Director, Precast India Infrastructures, has taken charge as Treasurer.The newly formed National Council brings together senior leaders from major EPC and infrastructure companies, reflecting CFI’s continued focus o..

Infrastructure Urban

06 Apr 2026

India REIT Market Gains Momentum with Strong Returns

India’s Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) market is witnessing strong growth, emerging as a competitive investment avenue both domestically and across Asia. According to a recent ANAROCK report released at EXCELERATE 2026 by NAREDCO Maharashtra NextGen, the sector is evolving into a mature asset class driven by solid fundamentals, regulatory backing and rising investor confidence.The introduction of Small and Medium REITs (SM REITs) in 2025 has further widened access through fractional ownership, unlocking a potential monetisation opportunity of Rs 670–710 billion. Indian REITs have deli..

Infrastructure Energy

06 Apr 2026

G R Infraprojects Secures Rs 4,130 Million BESS Contract From NTPC

G R Infraprojects said it has secured a contract from NTPC to supply and implement a battery energy storage system (BESS) valued at Rs 4,130 million (mn). The company reported the order was awarded as part of NTPC's ongoing efforts to enhance grid flexibility and energy storage capacity. The contract represents a notable addition to the firm's project pipeline and underscores demand for utility scale storage solutions. The award is expected to strengthen G R Infraprojects' presence in the energy infrastructure sector and to contribute to the firm's order book and future revenues, subject to st..