Vizag Port launches Rs 3.33 billion projects

Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways and AYUSH, announced the inauguration of four projects totalling Rs 3.33 billion at the Visakhapatnam port area. He mentioned that the modernisation of ports was underway as part of the Sagarmala program. He emphasised the development of port-centred industries and the provision of international-standard services at the terminals. Pollution control measures had been initiated in Visakhapatnam, including the construction of a covered storage shed, which cost Rs 330.80 million. The shed could accommodate 84,000 tonne of bulk and bagged cargo and featured a mist arrangement for dust suppression to reduce pollution caused by storing dusty cargo. The revamping of berths, involving an investment of Rs 1.67 billion, aimed to handle vessels with a draft of 14.5 metres or 85,000 DWT vessels. One of these berths, OR-1 berth, was inaugurated on the same day. It had a length of 243 meters and increased capacity by 3.81 MMT. The entire modernisation project was expected to be completed by October the following year. Sripad Yasso Naik, Union Minister of State for Ports, highlighted that the Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) had established a world-class Truck Parking Terminal spanning 20 acre, with an investment of Rs 360.05 billiob. The terminal was designed to accommodate cargo-bound vehicles entering the port and ensure smooth truck movement. It had the capacity to accommodate 666 vehicles, a 100-bed dormitory, a building with nine shops for services like ATM, vulcanising, spares, and toilets, among other amenities. Also read: Power ministry pushes for GST cut on hydropower project components  GMR subsidiary wins Rs 51.23 bn smart meter project in Uttar Pradesh