VPA targets 100 MMT goal at stakeholders meet

Visakhapatnam Port Authority aims for 100 MMT cargo handling, highlighting strategic expansions and enhanced regional collaboration.

The Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) convened a high-level `Stakeholders’ Meet’ on Thursday.

Addressing a diverse audience of business partners, railway officials, customs authorities, and State government representatives, VPA chairperson M. Angamuthu, shared an ambitious vision for the future, and encouraged stakeholders to maintain their current momentum to surpass the next major milestone of 100 MMT in cargo handling. “To reach this goal, VPA is leveraging its deep-sea capabilities for cape-size vessels and an extensive 176 km railway network. This collective regional effort aims to build on recent successes, including slashed turnaround times and record-breaking daily cargo handling," he added.

Beyond the statistics, the chairperson unveiled strategic expansion plans that will redefine the port’s regional footprint.

A key highlight was that the VPA is planning to operate the Mulapeta Port in close collaboration with the State government. Furthermore, plans are already underway to form a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for the development of the Duggarajapatnam Port and an associated shipbuilding unit. These initiatives signify VPA’s commitment to diversifying its operations and strengthening the maritime infrastructure of the entire coastline.

The leadership also addressed environmental and operational modernisation. To support this growth, the port will focus heavily on mechanisation and the adoption of innovative best practices, such as “Gemini operations” for handling heavy-lift cargo more efficiently.

Deputy chairperson Roshni Aparanji Korati, noted that with 28 out of 32 berths currently active, the demand for the port’s world-class facilities is higher than ever. With a massive 176-kilometer internal railway network and the ability to handle the world’s largest vessels, the VPA is well-positioned to remain the preferred global gateway for international trade in the years to come.