Ramayapatnam Port Phase-I Nears Completion
The deep-sea port is seen a major catalyst for industrial growth in both Prakasam and Nellore districts, positioning itself as a cost-effective alternative to Visakhapatnam and Chennai.
Nellore:Some 80 per cent of the Phase-I construction works of the Ramayapatnam Port, that is poised to become a pride of Prakasam district, have been completed.
The deep-sea port is seen a major catalyst for industrial growth in both Prakasam and Nellore districts, positioning itself as a cost-effective alternative to Visakhapatnam and Chennai.
The Greenfield port, being constructed at a cost of `4,922 crore across 2,000 acres near Chevuru in Gudluru mandal, is designed to handle 138 million tonnes of cargo per annum.
Developed under the aegis of the AP Maritime Board, the project is progressing in two phases—four multipurpose berths in the first phase and 19 additional berths in the second.
Infrastructure works around the port have picked up pace. According to officials, two berths, both breakwaters, 90 per cent of the four-lane NH-16 link road, and 20 per cent of the railway line have been completed.
A key asset for Prakasam district, the commissioning of the Ramayapatnam port would attract ancillary industries, generate employment opportunities and boost regional development.
District collector Rajababu reviewed the works and land acquisition with officials, along with Kandukur sub-collector Himavamsi on Wednesday.
Officials and representatives of the contractors gave a PowerPoint presentation on the progress of works. The collector later went into the sea to inspect the berth construction works.
Notably, following the recent district reorganisation, five mandals — Kandukur, Gudluru, Ulavapadu, Lingasamudram and Valetivaripalem — have been merged into Prakasam district, bringing the Ramayapatnam Port within its jurisdiction.
The collector expressed satisfaction over the pace of work. He said land acquisition has almost been completed. The Navayuga agency, is working towards completing the Phase-I works by April this year, he said.
He said a BPCL refinery would come up alongside the port, adding that a similar refinery was already operational in Visakhapatnam. Both the Ramayapatnam port and BPCL projects, he said, are of strategic importance to the state and Prakasam district.
The collector said the government would extend all support to complete the port at the earliest and revenue officials would remain stationed locally. He later visited the rehabilitation colony built for displaced families at Tettu.
Also present were port special deputy collector Rajasekhar, Navayuga company representative Narayana, Maritime Board executive engineer Sivaram, representatives of BPCL and Indosol companies, local officials and public representatives.
