Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal laid the foundation stone for four major projects at the Visakhapatnam Port Authority, with a combined investment of Rs 230 crore on the sidelines of the Indian Lighthouse Festival 3.0 held in Visakhapatnam.

Speaking at the event, the Minister expressed confidence that Visakhapatnam Port would surpass 100 million tonne of cargo throughput in the coming years, highlighting that it ranks among the top 100 ports globally. The projects aim to strengthen port infrastructure, safety systems, administrative capacity, and residential facilities. These include upgrading LPG berth firefighting facilities at Rs 52.23 crore, modernising the ORS Dry Dock at Rs 35.87 crore to boost ship repair revenue, constructing a G+9 Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Administrative Bhavan with green building standards at Rs 97.70 crore, and building residential apartments at Harbour Park for Rs 44.20 crore.

Visakhapatnam Port Authority Chairman M. Angamuthu said the initiatives would enhance operational efficiency and stakeholder benefits. Minister Sonowal also handed out course completion certificates to trainees from the Centre of Excellence in Maritime and Shipbuilding.