Centre Boosts Andhra Pradesh’s Maritime Infrastructure with Significant Investments
In a recent session of the Lok Sabha, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, announced substantial financial support from the central government for the development of maritime infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh under the Sagarmala Mission. The Centre has shown a strong commitment to enhancing the state’s port and shipping capabilities, with a particular focus on the Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) and other key projects.
Major Investments in Maritime Projects
Sonowal responded to queries from Krishna Prasad Tenneti and YS Avinash Reddy, detailing that the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways has received 29 project proposals from Andhra Pradesh. These proposals, valued at approximately Rs 3,300 crore, cover a wide range of initiatives, including port development, the construction of coastal berths, and the establishment of fish landing centers. Among these, 13 significant projects are currently receiving financial assistance under the Sagarmala initiative, with an estimated investment of around Rs 2,500 crore.
Key Projects and Financial Support
The minister highlighted various projects that are currently underway, including the development of Ro-Pax (Roll-on/Roll-off Passenger) and passenger jetties, fishing harbors, port modernization efforts, and skill development programs. To support these endeavors, the ministry has already sanctioned Rs 450 crore, emphasizing the government’s commitment to bolstering the maritime infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh.
Furthermore, the Visakhapatnam Port Authority, in collaboration with the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), has undertaken 36 projects in the state, with a combined investment of Rs 4,600 crore. Of these, 22 projects worth Rs 2,530 crore have been successfully completed, while the remaining 14 projects, valued at Rs 2,070 crore, are in various stages of implementation.
Notable Developments and Future Plans
Among the noteworthy developments is the establishment of a state-of-the-art International Cruise cum Coastal Terminal at Visakhapatnam Port. This facility is designed to cater to the growing demand for cruise tourism and to accommodate passengers from around the globe. The terminal is expected to significantly boost tourism and related economic activities in the region.
In addition to the completed and ongoing projects, the Ministry has partially funded four new projects worth Rs 1,200 crore. These projects are part of the broader Sagarmala initiative, which aims to transform India’s maritime sector by leveraging its extensive coastline and navigable waterways for port-led development. Projects with high social impact but low financial returns are also being prioritized for funding under this scheme, reflecting the government’s commitment to inclusive development.
Strategic Focus on Key Ports
The central government has also urged the Andhra Pradesh government to restructure projects related to the development of Bhavanapadu Port, Ramayapatnam Port, and Machilipatnam Port. This restructuring is aimed at exploring funding opportunities under the special assistance to States for capital investment program, as part of the PM GatiShakti initiative. This initiative focuses on enhancing multimodal connectivity and improving the efficiency of India’s logistics and transportation networks.
In addition to port development, the central government is also focusing on improving coastal berths and fish landing centers (FLCs). These projects have been forwarded to the Ministry of Finance for necessary approvals, underscoring the comprehensive approach being taken to enhance the state’s maritime infrastructure.
Public-Private Partnerships and Financial Structure
Minister Sonowal emphasized that the Sagarmala Programme is a flagship initiative designed to revolutionize India’s maritime sector. It aims to harness the country’s long coastline and extensive network of inland waterways to facilitate port-led development. The funding for these projects comes from a mix of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), equity participation, and grant-in-aid assistance from the central government. This approach ensures that there are no financial constraints on the part of the government, allowing for the smooth execution of projects.
Conclusion
The Centre’s substantial financial commitment to Andhra Pradesh’s maritime infrastructure underscores the importance of the state in India’s broader maritime strategy. The ongoing and planned projects are expected to significantly enhance the capacity and efficiency of ports in the state, boost economic activity, and create new opportunities for local communities. As the Sagarmala Mission continues to unfold, Andhra Pradesh is poised to become a key hub in India’s maritime landscape, driving growth and development in the region.
