The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has invested over Rs 70 billion in Sagarmala projects in Andhra Pradesh, aimed at transforming the State?s maritime sector. Replying to a question raised by MPs Krishna Prasad Tenneti and YS Avinash Reddy regarding the proposals under the Sagarmala Project in the State, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal informed the Lok Sabha that the ministry has received 29 new proposals from the Government of Andhra Pradesh, worth approximately Rs 33 billion , covering various projects, including port development, coastal berths, and fish landing centres. ?These projects, include Ro-Pax and passenger jetties, fishing harbours, port modernisation and skill development. The ministry has already sanctioned Rs 4.5 billion for the development of these projects,? he noted, adding, ?Additionally, the Visakhapatnam Port Authority and Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) have undertaken 36 projects in AP, with a combined investment of Rs 46 billion .? Among these, 22 projects worth Rs 25.30 billion have been completed, while 14 projects worth Rs 20.70 billion are in various stages of implementation.? He also mentioned the establishment of two Centres of Excellence in Maritime and Shipbuilding in Mumbai and Visakhapatnam. ?The Vizag Centre, a first of its kind in Asia, has equipped over 10,000 students with engineering and technical skills,? he said.