Andhra Pradesh is making significant strides in enhancing its maritime logistics capabilities with the accelerated construction of four new ports and a marked increase in shipments from its existing six ports. According to the Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board (APMB), the six ports—Gangavaram, Kakinada Deep water, Krishnapatnam, Ravva, Kakinada Anchorage (major port), and Visakhapatnam—handled a total of 189.21 million tonnes during the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024, up from 175.206 million tonnes the previous year.
The Andhra Pradesh government, in collaboration with APMB, is investing in port-led economic growth, with the new ports at various stages of completion. The ₹2,123-crore Kakinada SEZ Port development project, managed by a special purpose vehicle (SPV), involves extensive dredging, breakwater revetment, and the construction of berths, port buildings, roads, a railway line, and a craft berth.
Ramayapatnam Port, located in the Nellore district, is being developed using the ‘landlord model,’ where the government owns the infrastructure and leases it to private firms, with an investment of ₹3,736 crore by the Ramayapatnam Port Development Corporation Ltd.
Additionally, work is ongoing on phase I of the ₹5,155-crore Machilipatnam Port project in Krishna district and the ₹4,362-crore Mulapeta Port (formerly Bhavanapadu Port) project in Srikakulam district, both under the ‘landlord model.’
Improvements at Kakinada Anchorage Port, part of the Sagarmala project, are also underway, costing ₹91 crore—split between ₹43 crore from Sagarmala and ₹48 crore from APMB. Beyond port development, investments are being made to construct four fishing harbors in phase I at a cost of ₹1,523 crore and six additional harbors in phase II for ₹1,595 crore. Fish landing centers will also be established at a cost of ₹127 crore to enhance the state’s fishing infrastructure and coastal economic activities.
Furthermore, the Andhra Pradesh government has introduced a Smart Port System in the Port Department, allowing users to conveniently pay tariffs and submit applications online. This initiative aims to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and enhance convenience for stakeholders in the maritime sector.
