How Visakhapatnam port is strengthening India’s maritime infrastructure by investment of INR 230 Crore

On January 12, 2026, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Mr. Sarbananda Sonowal laid the foundation stones for four major infrastructure projects at Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) worth a combined ₹230 crore, aimed at enhancing capacity, operational efficiency and future-ready infrastructure at one of India’s most important maritime gateways.

Visakhapatnam Port—already ranked among the world’s top 100 ports—is poised to handle increasing cargo throughput, with plans to exceed 100 million metric tonnes of cargo annually in the years ahead.

Enhanced safety & compliance

A major share of the investment—₹52.23 crore—is allocated to upgrading firefighting facilities at the LPG berth to meet the stringent norms of the Oil Industry Safety Directorate. This upgrade will strengthen safety standards for handling energy-sector cargo and reduce operational risks.

Improved repair capability

With ₹35.87 crore earmarked for the modernisation of the ORS Dry Dock, the port will expand its ship repair capabilities. Enhanced dry dock infrastructure not only improves turnaround times for vessels but also adds a revenue stream by attracting more repair work.

World-class administrative facilities

A new G+9 Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Administrative Bhavan—built to green building standards—will elevate workplace infrastructure and support future organisational needs at the port. This project accounts for ₹97.70 crore in investment.

Residential development & land monetisation

The launch also includes ₹44.20 crore for residential apartments at Harbour Park, improving living facilities for port staff and advancing land monetisation efforts by the authority.

Why this matters -

These projects are more than just brick and-mortar upgrades—they foster multi-dimensional value for trade, local communities, and India’s maritime competitiveness.

• Stronger cargo handling & trade efficiency

• Safety and modern standards

• Employment and skill development

• Community engagement
  
  
  

Port history & its growth

Visakhapatnam Port has consistently expanded its footprint through multiple infrastructure initiatives. In mid-2025, the port unveiled over ₹276 crore worth of capacity-building projects, including new ramps, jetty facilities, promenade development, and digital systems like RFID gate management and a Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS) to improve traffic control and operational efficiency.

Additionally, the port has historically signed multi-thousand-crore agreements for industrial expansion and export-oriented developments, further embedding it into India’s maritime growth strategy.