Visakhapatnam to Strengthen India’s Eastern Maritime Trade Network

Andhra Pradesh is set to expand its role in India’s maritime sector, with plans to develop a greenfield shipbuilding cluster at Dugarajapatnam involving an estimated investment of ₹30,000 crore. The proposed project is expected to establish an annual shipbuilding capacity of 12 lakh slots and attract international shipbuilding companies and investors.

The announcement was made by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal while addressing the 31st CII Partnership Summit in Visakhapatnam. He outlined the state’s potential to strengthen India’s maritime trade network, citing its coastline and proximity to international shipping routes.

Dugarajapatnam Identified for Greenfield Shipbuilding Cluster

The proposed shipbuilding cluster at Dugarajapatnam is among the key infrastructure initiatives outlined for Andhra Pradesh’s maritime sector. With an estimated investment of ₹30,000 crore, the project aims to develop large-scale shipbuilding capabilities and increase the state’s participation in the global maritime industry.

The initiative is also expected to create opportunities for international shipbuilding companies and investors while expanding India’s domestic shipbuilding capacity.

Visakhapatnam Port Records 91.17 Million Tonnes of Cargo

Visakhapatnam Port handled a record 91.17 million tonnes of cargo during FY 2025–26, marking growth for the fourth consecutive year, according to the announcement.

The Union Minister also referred to infrastructure development works worth ₹600 crore initiated to strengthen port facilities and improve maritime connectivity.

The port’s strategic location along India’s eastern coastline makes it an important component of the country’s international trade and shipping network.

Andhra Pradesh’s Broader Maritime Infrastructure Plans

The state’s maritime development strategy extends beyond Visakhapatnam and Dugarajapatnam. Under initiatives including Sagarmala, Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, the government is pursuing investments to strengthen India’s port infrastructure and maritime capabilities.

Proposed greenfield port developments at Mulapeta, Machilipatnam, Ramayapatnam and Kakinada SEZ are also expected to contribute to industrial development and maritime connectivity across Andhra Pradesh.

The government has outlined an investment target of ₹80 lakh crore for strengthening India’s maritime sector.

Andhra Pradesh’s Role in India’s Maritime Vision 2047

The proposed shipbuilding cluster, port infrastructure investments and expansion of existing maritime facilities form part of Andhra Pradesh’s broader strategy to increase its contribution to India’s maritime economy.

During his address, Sonowal also referred to the leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and drew a comparison with Hyderabad’s emergence as an IT hub during the 1990s, suggesting that Andhra Pradesh has an opportunity to achieve comparable growth in the maritime sector.

The initiatives are aligned with the broader objective of Viksit Bharat 2047, with Andhra Pradesh seeking to establish a stronger position in India’s shipbuilding, port operations and maritime trade ecosystem.

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Key Facts: Andhra Pradesh Maritime Development

Parameter	Details
Proposed project	Greenfield Shipbuilding Cluster
Location	Dugarajapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
Estimated investment	₹30,000 crore
Proposed annual capacity	12 lakh slots
Visakhapatnam Port cargo	91.17 million tonnes
Port infrastructure investment	₹600 crore in initiated development works
Other proposed port locations	Mulapeta, Machilipatnam, Ramayapatnam and Kakinada SEZ
Announced by	Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal
Occasion	31st CII Partnership Summit

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Where will Andhra Pradesh’s proposed ₹30,000 crore shipbuilding cluster be established?

The proposed greenfield shipbuilding cluster will be established at Dugarajapatnam in Andhra Pradesh.

2. What is the estimated investment in the Dugarajapatnam shipbuilding project?

The project is estimated to involve an investment of ₹30,000 crore.

3. What will be the proposed annual capacity of the shipbuilding cluster?

The proposed facility aims to develop shipbuilding capacity of 12 lakh slots annually.

4. How much cargo did Visakhapatnam Port handle in FY 2025–26?

Visakhapatnam Port recorded cargo throughput of 91.17 million tonnes during FY 2025–26.

5. Which other locations are included in Andhra Pradesh’s port development plans?

The proposed greenfield port developments include Mulapeta, Machilipatnam, Ramayapatnam and Kakinada SEZ.

6. Which national maritime development initiatives support these projects?

The initiatives align with Sagarmala, Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.