Three places have been identified for the location of another major port in Andhra Pradesh, and in all probability it may come up in Visakhapatnam district, according to the State Minister for Ports and Infrastructure, Mr G. Srinivasa Rao.
Mr Srinivasa Rao, recently inducted into the State Cabinet, was talking to reporters at a meet-the-press programme organised by the Vizag Journalists' Forum here on Friday. He said Nakkapalli in Visakhapatnam district, Ramayapatnam in Prakasam district and another place in Nellore district were being considered for setting up the port. A group of experts visited the three places and a final decision would be taken soon. He said in all probability Nakkapalli may be chosen. “It may be the third port in Visakhapatnam district, apart from Visakhapatnam and Gangavaram,” he said.
Referring to minor ports in the State, the minister said the Machilipatnam port had been awarded to a consortium of NEC and NCC groups and a few issues such as land allotment needed to be sorted out. In this month itself, the issue may be resolved and the work on the project may begin. The State Government would take steps to develop Kalingapatnam and Bhavanapadu as well and some companies such as Nuzvidu Seeds, Gangaram Port and Essar had evinced interest in taking up the projects. Bids will be invited for the projects.
AP Maritime Board
Mr Rao said a proposal to set up Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board was pending for two or three years, and he would see to it that it takes shape soon. Further, steps would be taken to strengthen the port department in the State.
The Minister said the Vizag-Dubai flight would be started from March 25 and “it will be a big event for Visakhapatnam. International connectivity will certainly spur development of the city. It may lead to flights to other destinations abroad.”
Further, he said, the terminal at Rajahmundry airport had been completed at a cost of Rs 40 crore and it would be inaugurated later this month.
Steps would also be taken for the development of Vijayawada and Tirupati airports and for setting up a few low-cost air strips in the State.