Transforming Futures: GoM Urged to Empower Ramayapatnam Port with Infrastructure Boost and Extended Completion Timeline
The Government of Andhra Pradesh has formed a Group of Ministers (GoM) committee to evaluate proposals for enhancing dredging, reclamation, and both internal and external connectivity at the Ramayapatnam Port. This initiative aims to support the timely completion of Phase-I works and make informed recommendations for its future development.
The GoM will consist of the Ministers of Finance, Infrastructure and Investment, and Tourism, with the Secretary of Infrastructure and Investment appointed as the committee’s convener. This move aligns with previous efforts initiated in February 2020, when the government established a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), the Ramayapatnam Port Development Corporation Limited (RPDCL), to oversee port and port-led development. The administrative approval for Phase-I works was initially set at ₹3,736.14 crore, later revised to ₹4,929 crore following suggestions from a technical committee. The Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board (APMB) supervises the construction, which is slated for completion by June 23, 2025.
In light of the port’s commercial potential, the APMB’s Chief Executive Officer emphasized the urgent need to enhance the existing infrastructure. The goal is to accommodate a projected cargo volume of 34.04 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA), primarily consisting of coal and iron ore. Crucially, the CEO highlighted the necessity of increasing the port’s draft from 16 meters to 18.5 meters. This would enable the facility to accept Cape size and Super Cape size vessels, aligning it with evolving regional and global shipping trends.
The proposed enhancements include additional dredging at the approach channel and berth pockets, plus the construction of new railway lines to connect to a proposed backup yard adjacent to three multi-purpose berths. Furthermore, there are plans for developing backup yard infrastructure for cargo storage, truck movement, and efficient material handling operations, along with improved road connectivity within and outside the port.
Due to challenges such as work stoppages and delays in land handover, the APMB has also sought an Extension of Time (EoT) until April 27, 2026, to ensure the contractor can complete the necessary works without further interruptions. The GoM has been tasked with reviewing this proposal and is expected to deliver its recommendations expeditiously.
As the Ramayapatnam Port project progresses, the government and associated bodies remain focused on enhancing the region’s logistics capabilities through strategic developments. Located in Andhra Pradesh, this initiative is poised to bolster economic growth by improving maritime infrastructure and meeting the demands of global trade.
The attention to Ramayapatnam Port aligns with Andhra Pradesh’s broader ambitions for port-led development, aimed at positioning the state as a key player in maritime commerce. As the GoM deliberates on these proposals, stakeholders in the shipping and logistics sectors are keenly observing the potential transformations that could redefine the region’s shipping landscape.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/gom-to-consider-proposal-to-enhance-infrastructure-extend-time-for-completion-of-ramayapatnam-port-works/article69815204.ece
Category : Andhra Pradesh
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Publish Date: 2025-07-16 08:11:00
