Visakhapatnam Port Unveils New Promenade and Major Development Projects
The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, marked a significant milestone in Visakhapatnam by inaugurating a public waterfront promenade. This development is part of a larger investment package amounting to approximately Rs 560 crore, which also includes the initiation of four additional projects aimed at enhancing the port’s infrastructure.
The new Rs 19 crore Port Promenade stretches 710 meters (2,330 feet) along the scenic waterfront, connecting the Venkateswara Temple to the International Cruise Terminal. Spanning 5.5 acres, this promenade provides residents with a designated area to safely observe maritime activities for the very first time. “It opens up the port to the city,” Sonowal remarked, dedicating the project to the people of Visakhapatnam.
Designed to offer a variety of amenities, the promenade features a waterfront walkway, two viewing decks, a park, a public plaza, a children’s play space, a food court, and visitor parking. Built on existing port territory, the promenade does not interfere with cargo operations and is expected to enhance the attractiveness of the cruise terminal for visitors.
In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for inclusive development, Sonowal emphasized the initiative’s significance. “A port that was once closed to outsiders now invites residents in,” he noted, highlighting that the new terminal operations will create around 500 local job opportunities.
Moreover, Sonowal laid foundation stones for three contracts worth approximately Rs 580 crore to operate and maintain current cargo terminals. These projects will involve upgrading berths WQ-1, WQ-2, WQ-3, and EQ-3 with cranes and conveyor systems, while also ensuring environmental standards are met. The upgrades will employ around 500 local individuals.
Additionally, the minister announced plans to enhance the port’s sewage treatment capacity from 10 million liters to 15 million liters per day, estimated at Rs 11 crore. This upgrade is part of the Harit Sagar initiative, which promotes cleaner operations by using treated wastewater for dust suppression and road maintenance.
Sonowal showcased the port’s impressive growth, noting that it handled a record 91.17 million metric tons of cargo in the 2025-26 fiscal year, reflecting a 10% increase compared to the previous year. He encouraged port employees to strive for sustained growth, aiming to surpass last year’s figures.
The foundation laying event coincides with Sonowal’s upcoming address at the 31st CII Partnership Summit–2026, hosted by the Andhra Pradesh government on November 12 and 13. This summit will focus on the theme ‘Navigating New World Order: Trade, Technology, Trust.’
In addition to the newly announced projects, the port is progressing with four Public-Private Partnership initiatives valued at around Rs 800 crore, expected to be completed by 2027. With one of India’s deepest container terminals and a draft capacity of 16 meters, the port is transitioning to a landlord-port model to improve efficiency.
Sarbananda Sonowal credited Prime Minister Modi’s leadership for transforming Indian ports into world-class entities. He reiterated that developments like the promenade and sewage upgrades exemplify a commitment to inclusive growth, enabling citizens to actively participate in national development.
“When citizens are partners and not spectators, development lasts,” Sonowal expressed, emphasizing the spirit of cooperation encapsulated in the mantra: Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas. This initiative is seen as a step towards a developed Bharat by 2047.
Sonowal also expressed gratitude to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and the state government for their continued support. Key attendees of the ceremony included local MPs, BJP leaders, and port officials, all gathered to witness a new era for Visakhapatnam Port.
