New cruise terminal to put Vizag on world tourism map
image for illustrative purpose
Visakhapatnam The construction of the Centre-funded international cruise terminal in the outer harbour of Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) has been completed and it is getting ready for inauguration. "It's a prestigious project and team effort has been made to take up the project on a fast-track mode. This will certainly bring a lot of domestic and international passengers to this region, blessed with panoramic beauty and several Buddhist sites once cruise services are offered," VPA Chairman Dr M Angamuthu, told Bizz Buzz.
The terminal construction work for an amount of Rs 52.93 crore was awarded on February 8, 2022. The construction has been completed almost as per the schedule despite several challenges as the mandarins of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways as well as the Ministry of Tourism wanted its completion on a top priority basis. The terminal, once commissioned, is expected to put Visakhapatnam in the world cruise map. The total length of the berth including the shore protection and mooring dolphin is 335m. The designed overall length (LOA) 300m with 37.6m beam, 8.1m draft. The dimensions include 180m length and 15m width. At present, site clearing, cleaning and ancillary works are in progress. Finishing work is in progress for the Rs 19.32 crore passenger terminal building with two floors viz. first floor 1383.43 sqm and ground floor 3074.87 sqm. There is a provision for bus parking for seven, car parking for 70 and 40 two-wheelers. The building can cater to the needs of 2,000 passengers with all modern amenities. After completion of an attractive facade, landscaping work is in progress.
Union Minister of State for Tourism Ajay Bhatt recently informed the Parliament that the cruise terminal is ready for operation. The Ministry of Tourism had approved the request of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways in 2018-19 to fund the construction of the cruise-cum-cargo terminal. Though the work should have been completed in April, it got delayed slightly due to the pandemic, he pointed out. He said a survey is being held to start seaplane services for the benefit of tourists.
