Sarbananda Sonowal unveils Rs 560 crore development package at Visakhapatnam Port

Visakhapatnam: Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated a public waterfront promenade and launched development projects at Visakhapatnam Port on November 11, 2026. The announced package was valued at about Rs 560 crore. Meanwhile, new cargo terminal contracts are expected to create jobs for around 500 local people.

The Rs 19 crore promenade stretches about 710 metres from the Venkateswara Temple to the International Cruise Terminal. It covers approximately 5.5 acres and gives residents a designated space to watch ships and port operations. Sonowal said the facility opens the port to the city and dedicated it to the people of Visakhapatnam.

The promenade features a waterfront walkway and two viewing decks, including a Titanic-style viewpoint. Additionally, visitors can use a park, public plaza, children’s play area, food court and parking facility. The port developed the promenade on its existing land without disrupting cargo operations. Its location beside the cruise terminal is also expected to enhance the experience for cruise passengers.

Sonowal linked the initiative to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of inclusive development. He said citizens should participate actively in development rather than remain mere beneficiaries. Furthermore, he connected the cargo terminal contracts with employment opportunities for local people.

Visakhapatnam Port cargo contracts to create local jobs

Sonowal laid foundation stones for three contracts covering the operation and maintenance of existing cargo terminals. These contracts cover WQ-1 and WQ-1RE berths, WQ-2 and WQ-3 berths, and EQ-3. The release valued these contracts at about Rs 580 crore. Under the agreements, operators will mechanise the berths with cranes and conveyors. They must also install environmental controls and employ around 500 local people.

The minister said the projects would help the Visakhapatnam Port Authority secure assured cargo throughput and improve capacity utilisation. Consequently, mechanised cargo handling is expected to make operations more efficient. The contracts will also create employment opportunities in port-related activities.

The minister also laid the foundation stone for expanding the port’s sewage treatment capacity. The project will raise capacity from 10 million litres per day to 15 million litres per day. It includes a new treatment plant with a capacity of 5 million litres per day. The estimated cost stands at Rs 11 crore.

The port uses treated wastewater for dust suppression, road wetting and sprinkling at stockpile yards. Therefore, the upgrade will support the Ministry’s Harit Sagar green port initiative. It will also strengthen the port’s wastewater treatment infrastructure.

Sonowal said Visakhapatnam Port handled a record 91.17 million metric tonnes of cargo during the 2025-26 financial year. This represented an increase of about 10% over the previous year. Moreover, the port recorded its fourth consecutive year of growth.

Between April 1 and October 31, cargo handling rose by 4.44 million metric tonnes. This marked an 8.88% increase over the corresponding period last year. During his interaction with employees, Sonowal urged them to exceed the previous year’s growth target of 10%.

Visakhapatnam Port expansion and future infrastructure plans

The port has also taken up four public-private partnership projects worth about Rs 800 crore. Construction work is underway, and the projects are expected to become operational by 2027. Visakhapatnam Port has one of the deepest container terminals among India’s major ports, with a permissible draft of 16 metres.

Additionally, the port is moving towards a landlord-port model to reduce vessel turnaround time and logistics costs. Sonowal credited Modi’s leadership for the development of Indian ports into world-class facilities. He linked these initiatives to India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.

The minister described the promenade and sewage treatment upgrade as examples of development that includes all sections of society. He also thanked Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and the state government for their support.

Visakhapatnam Lok Sabha member M. Sribharat, Rajya Sabha member Golla Babu Rao and Andhra Pradesh BJP president P.V.N. Madhav attended the event. Legislators Ch. Vamsi Krishna Srinivas and P. Vishnu Kumar Raju also joined the programme. Visakhapatnam Port Chairperson Jasmeet Singh Bindra, port officials and employees were present.