Andhra Pradesh is making significant investments in four greenfield ports, Mulapeta in Srikakulam, Ramayapatnam in Nellore, Machilipatnam in Krishna, and Kakinada SEZ, to strengthen its position as a key maritime hub on the East Coast. The state has allocated Rs 4 billion for these projects in the FY 2025-26 budget, supporting its vision to unlock a $20 billion blue economy by 2035. 

The funding includes Rs 1 billion for land acquisition at Mulapeta (Bhavanapadu) in Srikakulam, Rs 500 million for Kakinada SEZ, Rs 1.5 billion for Machilipatnam, and Rs 1 billion for the first phase of Ramayapatnam. With a combined project cost of Rs 176.89 billion, these ports are expected to handle 145 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) by 2030 and generate over 75,000 jobs. They will complement Andhra Pradesh’s existing maritime network, anchored by Visakhapatnam Port, which handled 41.79 million tonnes of cargo in the first half of 2024. 

Construction progress varies across the four ports. Ramayapatnam, led by Navayuga Engineering, is the most advanced at 52.91% completion and is set to be operational by December 2025. Mulapeta, managed by Vishwa Samudra Ports, stands at 27.69% and is expected to be completed by April 2026. Kakinada SEZ, developed through a public-private partnership, has reached 20.80%, while Machilipatnam, facing delays, is at 27.30% progress. 

(newindianexpress)