In a notable development for India?s maritime infrastructure, Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal provided an update on the Machilipatnam Port project in Parliament. The construction, which commenced on April 21, 2023, is slated for completion by October 2025.
The Machilipatnam Port, a non-major port under the Andhra Pradesh government, is being financed with a significant term loan of Rs 39.40 billion from the Power Finance Corporation (PFC). This funding is allocated to the Machilipatnam Port Development Corporation Limited (MPDCL), a subsidiary of the Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board (APMB). Despite not being part of the central government's Sagarmala Scheme, the project is progressing with robust financial backing.
The Visakhapatnam Port Authority and the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) are also contributing to Andhra Pradesh's port sector, investing Rs 46 billion in 36 projects. Of these, 22 projects worth approximately Rs 25.30 billion have been completed, while 14 projects valued at Rs 20.70 billion are underway. Notably, a new International Cruise cum Coastal Terminal at Visakhapatnam Port is being developed to serve both international and domestic passengers.
India's port capacity has grown significantly, surpassing 2,500 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA) in the fiscal year 2022-23, marking an 86% increase since 2014-15. This period also saw the cargo handling capacity at Major Ports double, demonstrating the government's commitment to improving port infrastructure and operational efficiency.
Under the Sagarmala initiative, two Centres of Excellence in Maritime and Shipbuilding (CEMs) have been established in Mumbai and Visakhapatnam. The Visakhapatnam campus, integrated with the Indian Maritime University, is the first of its kind in Asia, featuring 18 laboratories and providing engineering and technical skills training to over 10,000 students.
(FE)
