Rs 1.2 trn worth of Sagarmala projects underway in Andhra

Vijayawada Andhra Pradesh's thrust on port-led development is set to gain movement with the Central Government under the Sagarmala Programme, sanctioning 113 projects with an estimated amount of around Rs.1.2 lakh crore across the State.

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said these include projects from various categories such as modernisation of existing ports and terminals, Roll on, Roll off (RoRo) and tourism jetties, enhancement of port connectivity, inland waterways, industrialisation around port, skill development and technology centres. Implementation of the projects is done by the Central Line Ministries, State Maritime Boards, major ports and Special Purpose Vehicles (SPV) preferably through the private sector and through Public Private Partnership (PPP) wherever feasible.

Visakhapatnam Port Authority, which is a major port under the ministry, is being developed as a landlord port. With funds released from the ministry, the port is developing an International Maritime Cruise Terminal and modernising the Visakhapatnam Fishing Harbour.

Out of the total projects, 36 worth Rs 32,000 crore have been completed and 77 projects worth Rs 91,000 crore are under various stages of implementation and development. The ministry is holding regular meetings with the stakeholders to understand the concerns and specific issues hindering the progress of implementation of projects and make requisite efforts to iron out the difficulties to ensure timely execution of projects.

The release stated that the ministry from time to time holds Maritime States Development Council (MSDC) meetings and encourages coastal States/UTs to hold State Sagarmala Committee (SSC) meetings for creating synergy among various stakeholders for expeditious implementation of the projects.