Visakhapatnam Port opens Port Promenade to public, advances projects to add 11 MMT cargo capacity

Summary

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated and launched a series of infrastructure projects at Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) on November 11, 2026. The initiatives include opening the Port Promenade to the public, upgrading sewage treatment capacity from 10 MLD to 15 MLD and awarding PPP-based operation and maintenance contracts for five berths. The berth-related projects represent a combined designed cargo-handling capacity of 11 million tonnes per annum (MMT).

Article

Visakhapatnam Port opens waterfront promenade to the public

Visakhapatnam Port Authority has opened its newly developed Port Promenade near the International Cruise Terminal to the public as part of a series of infrastructure and development initiatives inaugurated by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on November 11, 2026.

The waterfront facility has been developed as a pedestrian-friendly public space, allowing visitors to view harbour activities, ship movements and port operations from a designated viewing area without interfering with regular cargo-handling activities.

The promenade includes a children’s play area, food court and visitor parking facilities. Located alongside the International Cruise Terminal, the facility is also expected to support cruise tourism and waterfront recreation.

The inauguration programme was attended by Visakhapatnam MP Mathukumilli Sribharat, Rajya Sabha MP Golla Baburao, Visakhapatnam South MLA Ch. Vamsi Krishna Srinivas, Visakhapatnam North MLA P. Vishnu Kumar Raju, VPA Chairperson Jasmeet Singh Bindra, Deputy Chairperson Roshni A. Korati and other senior officials and maritime industry representatives.

Sewage treatment capacity to increase to 15 MLD

Visakhapatnam Port Authority is upgrading and refurbishing its existing sewage treatment infrastructure to increase treatment capacity from 10 million litres per day (MLD) to 15 MLD. The project includes the establishment of a new 5 MLD sewage treatment plant.

The project has an estimated cost of ₹11.86 crore and has been awarded to Vijayawada-based Velko Infratek Projects Pvt. Ltd. The work order was issued on May 8, 2026, with a scheduled completion period of 11 months.

The existing 10 MLD facility is operational, with treated wastewater being used for dust suppression, internal road wetting and sprinkling at the stack yard.

The expansion is intended to improve wastewater treatment capacity and support future requirements while meeting environmental compliance standards. The initiative is aligned with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways’ Harit Sagar Green Port guidelines and Pollution Control Board requirements.

PPP contracts awarded for five berths

VPA has also awarded operation and maintenance contracts for five berths under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The terminals covered are WQ-1 and WQ-1RE, WQ-2 and WQ-3, and EQ-3.

The three PPP initiatives collectively represent a designed annual cargo-handling capacity of 11 MMT, with a combined Minimum Guaranteed Throughput (MGT) of 5.5 MMT per annum.

The contracts have been awarded to three private operators under different concession periods and commercial arrangements.

WQ-1 and WQ-1RE terminals

The operation and maintenance contract for WQ-1 and WQ-1RE has been awarded to Bothra Shipping Services Private Limited for 10 years, with an extension option of five years subject to satisfactory performance.

The tender value is ₹40.54 crore, excluding GST, with a royalty share of 20% per metric tonne.

The terminals have a designed annual cargo-handling capacity of 3 MMT and a Minimum Guaranteed Throughput of 1.5 MMT per annum. The Letter of Award was issued on May 12, 2026, followed by the work order on August 3, 2026.

WQ-2 and WQ-3 terminals

Vizag General Cargo Berth Pvt. Ltd. has received the contract to operate and maintain WQ-2 and WQ-3 terminals for 15 years, with a possible five-year extension subject to satisfactory performance.

The tender value is ₹90.08 crore, excluding GST. The operator has quoted a royalty share of 49.70% per metric tonne against the base rate of ₹130.10 per tonne.

The terminals have a combined designed cargo-handling capacity of 6 MMT per annum, with an MGT of 3 MMT. The Letter of Intent was issued on March 3, 2026, and the work order followed on May 29, 2026.

EQ-3 berth

The operation and maintenance contract for EQ-3, designated for clean cargo handling, has been awarded to Delta Infra Logistics (Worldwide) Limited for 10 years, with a possible five-year extension subject to satisfactory performance.

The tender value stands at ₹28.84 crore, excluding GST, with a royalty share of 20% per metric tonne.

The berth has a designed annual cargo-handling capacity of 2 MMT and an MGT of 1 MMT per annum. The Letter of Award was issued on May 12, 2026, and the work order on August 13, 2026.

Minister reviews port development and operational priorities

Addressing the gathering, Sonowal discussed the Port Promenade’s role in improving public access to the waterfront and supporting cruise tourism. He also highlighted the sewage treatment plant expansion in the context of environmental sustainability and the Harit Sagar Green Port initiative.

On the PPP projects, the Minister noted that the operation and maintenance arrangements for five berths would provide 11 MMT of designed annual cargo-handling capacity, with a combined minimum guaranteed throughput of 5.5 MMT per annum.

He also reiterated the government’s focus on port infrastructure development, operational efficiency and sustainable maritime operations.

Stakeholder meeting reviews port operations

Following the inauguration programme, Sonowal held a review meeting with VPA officials, stevedores, trade union representatives and PPP operators.

Discussions covered port operations, stakeholder concerns, cargo-handling performance and measures to improve operational efficiency and support the further development of Visakhapatnam Port.

The projects cover public waterfront infrastructure, wastewater management and cargo-handling operations, forming part of VPA’s ongoing port modernisation and development programme.

FAQs

1. What projects did Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurate at Visakhapatnam Port?

The projects include the opening of the Port Promenade to the public, the upgradation of sewage treatment capacity from 10 MLD to 15 MLD and PPP-based operation and maintenance arrangements for five berths.

2. What is the additional cargo-handling capacity from the PPP berth projects?

The three PPP initiatives covering five berths have a combined designed annual cargo-handling capacity of 11 MMT, with a Minimum Guaranteed Throughput of 5.5 MMT per annum.

3. Which companies have received the PPP contracts at Visakhapatnam Port?

The contracts have been awarded to Bothra Shipping Services Private Limited for WQ-1 and WQ-1RE, Vizag General Cargo Berth Pvt. Ltd. for WQ-2 and WQ-3, and Delta Infra Logistics (Worldwide) Limited for EQ-3.

4. What is the cost of the sewage treatment plant upgrade?

The sewage treatment plant upgradation project has an estimated cost of ₹11.86 crore and has been awarded to Velko Infratek Projects Pvt. Ltd.

5. What facilities are available at the Visakhapatnam Port Promenade?

The Port Promenade features a pedestrian-friendly waterfront viewing area, children’s play area, food court and visitor parking facilities. It is located near the International Cruise Terminal.