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 Transport

16 Sep 2025

Metro Line 2B Phase 1 to Boost Realty in Mumbai’s Eastern Suburbs

Mumbai’s real estate sector is set for a major boost as Phase 1 of Metro Line 2B, between Mandale and Diamond Garden, nears completion. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has confirmed that mandatory rectifications are done, and inspections by the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) have been carried out. The 5.39-km stretch with five stations forms part of the larger DN Nagar–Mandale corridor, designed to ease congestion and improve east–west connectivity. Passenger operations are expected by December 2025, with the full line slated for 2027. ..

Resources

16 Sep 2025

WattPower wins Best Inverter award at Global Solar Expo 2025

WattPower, a leading renewable energy solutions provider, has won the award for “Best Inverter in the Utility Segment” at the Global Solar Expo 2025. The recognition underscores the company’s commitment to delivering reliable, high-performance and future-ready solar solutions for large-scale projects. At the forefront of utility-scale solar, WattPower manufactures advanced string inverters that directly feed power into the Indian grid. With robust technology, high-quality components and comprehensive product lifecycle support, its solutions stand among the most sophisticated in the ..

Real Estate

16 Sep 2025

Awfis delivers 67,000 sq. ft. innovation hub for eBay in Bengaluru

Awfis Space Solutions, India’s largest flexible workspace provider and the first publicly listed workspace solutions platform, has partnered with eBay to establish a 67,000 sq. ft. innovation hub at Embassy Tech Village, Bengaluru. The mandate covers design, build and management of the new office, which will act as a strategic hub supporting diverse functions and accelerating eBay’s AI-first commerce strategy. The centre will focus on artificial intelligence, engineering, product development and applied research, strengthening eBay’s growth in India. Embassy Tech Village, North Beng..