Sarbananda Sonowal lays foundation stone for ₹230-cr development projects at 3rd Indian Lighthouse Festival
VISAKHAPATNAM : During the 3rd Indian Lighthouse Festival, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Hon’ble Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, laid the foundation stone for a series of major infrastructure development projects worth ₹230 crore at the Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA). The ceremony was held at MGM Park, Visakhapatnam, marking a significant milestone in the port’s modernization and capacity enhancement journey.
The projects aim to strengthen operational safety, improve port infrastructure, boost ship repair capabilities, and enhance administrative and residential facilities, aligning with the Government of India’s vision for efficient, resilient, and future-ready ports.
The key projects for which foundation stones were laid include:
Upgradation of fire-fighting facilities for the LPG berth to accommodate vessels of 40,000 DWT and above, in compliance with OISD-156 guidelines, along with five years of operation and maintenance (O&M), at a cost of ₹52.24 crore.
Upgradation and development of ship repair infrastructure at the ORS Dry Dock, including leasing on a licence basis for 15 years, involving an investment of ₹35.87 crore.
Construction of a new Administrative Office Building (AOB) to strengthen institutional capacity and administrative efficiency, with an outlay of ₹97.70 crore.
Construction of residential apartments at Harbour Park, aimed at improving housing facilities for port employees, at a cost of ₹44.20 crore.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Sonowal highlighted the strategic importance of Visakhapatnam Port in India’s maritime ecosystem and reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to developing world-class port infrastructure that supports trade growth, safety, sustainability, and workforce welfare.
While addressing the valedictory ceremony of the 3rd Indian Lighthouse Festival, Shri Vijay Kumar, IAS, Secretary, MoPSW said that the past two days have been a great success, brought to life through meaningful dialogues and vibrant cultural expressions, and that the festival will play a significant role in promoting tourism while celebrating India’s rich lighthouse heritage
Addressing the valedictory ceremony of 3rd Indian Lighthouse Festival, Sri Suresh Gopi, Minister of State Petroleum and Natural Gas of India highlighted the significance of lighthouses in guiding ships safely. He also lauded the festival for celebrating the rich legacy of lighthouses while transforming them into vibrant tourism destinations that connect heritage with contemporary experiences
The foundation-laying ceremony at the Indian Lighthouse Festival underscores the government’s integrated approach to port-led development, combining heritage, technology, and modern infrastructure to strengthen India’s maritime future.