BIGGER AIM. Machilipatnam port awaits expansion
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Andhra Pradesh’s port economy is poised for a major transformation. Even as the first phase of work on three greenfield ports nears completion, the State government is laying the ground for the next growth wave by committing ₹1,638.52 crore to acquire 6,248.54 acres for phase-II expansion.The government has given administrative nod for land acquisition for the Ramayapatnam, Mulapeta and Machilipatnam ports, following directions from Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, said Investments and Infrastructure Minister BC Janardhan Reddy.Of the total allocation, ₹851 crore has been earmarked for acquiring 2,924.45 acres for the second phase of Ramayapatnam port.The government has sanctioned ₹440.52 crore for acquiring 1,903.39 acres for the expansion of Mulapeta port. The proposed works will also cover the acquisition of salt lands and the implementation of rehabilitation and resettlement measures at Mulapeta.For the second phase of expansion at Machilipatnam port, the government has approved the acquisition of 1,420.70 acres at a cost of ₹347 crore.The approvals are expected to accelerate the expansion of the greenfield ports and strengthen Andhra Pradesh’s maritime infrastructure.With three of the five greenfield ports under construction expected to become operational within six months, the State’s maritime capacity is set to grow significantly.Cargo-handling capacity is expected to increase by more than 50 per cent — from 195 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to 286 MTPA, according to official data.“With the commencement of phase II development of the upcoming ports, the next five years will witness a major leap in port-based logistics in the State,” a senior government official said.As part of its maritime growth strategy, the State aims to achieve an optimal port capacity utilisation of 75 per cent by 2030 and cut vessel turnaround time to under 15 hours, thereby improving operational efficiency and competitiveness.The State government recently proposed a partnership with South Korean maritime equipment manufacturers to invest in the upcoming Dugarajapatnam shipbuilding cluster, which is jointly developed by the Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board (APMB) and the Visakhapatnam Port Authority.Published on July 27, 2026
