MoPSW Secretary visits VPA, reviews port operations

T.K. Ramachandran, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, (MoPSW) Government of India, has visited Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) on 11^th May 2025. Dr. M. Angamuthu, IAS, Chairperson, Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA), extended a warm welcome to the secretary.

Secretary, MoPSW visited various areas and inaugurated South side Park of AOB, Vizagpatam Board Room and Manthan Hall.  Later Secretary, MoPSW reviewed the Port operations and held meeting with regard to proposal of setting up of Dugarajapatnam Port by AP State Government, Utilization of Salt land and Port led industries at Mulapeta Port and also inaugurated Dash Board of E-Measurement Book and Coffee Table Book of VPA on May 11, 2025.   He distributed Course Completion and Placement Certificates to the Tribal Youth trained at CEMS which was sponsored by VPA.

Later in the evening Secretary, MoPSW reviewed and held an Interaction meeting with the Stakeholders/PPP Operators.  The Trade represented specific issues such as land lease for storage and recommendations.  Secretary, MoPSW, instructed the Stakeholders to consider relevant initiatives under the MIV 2030 and MAKV 2047 programs for benefit of Stakeholders.

Secretary, MoPSW visited Dredging Corporation of India on May 12, 2025 and a comprehensive review of DCIL’s overall performance.   Secretary, MoPSW emphasized the need for the Corporation to focus on strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing productivity and competitiveness in the current market environment.

Dr. Madhaiyan Angamuthu, IAS, Chairman, DCIL, briefed the Secretary on the Corporation’s ongoing strategic initiatives and its pivotal role in supporting maritime trade by ensuring navigability at major Indian ports. Durgesh Kumar Dubey, IRTS, Managing Director & CEO, provided an overview of the organization’s ongoing projects and financial performance.

Secretary, MoPSW visited Hindustan Shipyard Ltd., on May 12, 2025 and suggested CMD, HSL and Chairperson, VPA to operate electrical crafts in all Ports in line with PM’s visit to make India fossil free and also suggested the possibilities of introducing Hydrogen Tugs which are cheaper than any other mode of transport.

Secretary, MoPSW visited Centre for Excellence in Maritime and Shipbuilding and reviewed the training programmes and on the job training programmes imparted by CEMS to the unemployed youth and lauded the efforts of VPA funding them in line with Skill India programme.

Durgesh Kumar Dubey, IRTS, Deputy Chairperson, P.S.L. Swami, IOFS, Chief Vigilance Officer, along with Heads of Departments and senior officers of VPA, were present during the visit to VPA, and Divakar, CGM and other HoDs of DCI were present during visit to DCI.