Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) achieved a new milestone in cargo handling by achieving 41.79 MMTs during the first half of FY 2024-25, marking a 6% growth over the 39.60 MMTs handled during the same period in 2023-24.
This growth is attributed to the increased handling of key commodities such as Crude, LPG, Coal, and other cargoes, an official release from VPA stated that the port made some achievements in the first 100-days action plan.
They included implementing the “National Logistics Portal Marine (NLP)”. This initiative has transformed communication between various stakeholders, including shipping lines, customs authorities, and the Port Health Officer (PHO), facilitating real-time data exchange and transparency.
The Port had completed the improvement of Port road from WQ-5 junction to Essar junction costing Rs.19.69 crores. It completed electrification works of TKM at EQ-1 terminal costing Rs.21.09 crores and also Modernisation and upgradation of fishing harbour effluent treatment plant costing 5.27 crores.
The Port is now actively taking up the Repairs to the pockets along the SL Canal Jetty and backup area to avoid erosion of bunds with a cost of Rs.14.48 crores; Construction of two additional breasting dolphins to accommodate medium range vessels at OSTT with a cost of Rs.18.63 crores and Construction of covered storage shed at R-10 area with a cost of Rs.22.50 crores.
To support environmental goals, the port has introduced “CNG-powered buses” and deployed “sweeping machines and fire tenders” to improve air quality and safety within the port premises.