Ramayapatnam Port Set to Become a Major Cargo Handling Hub
The construction of Ramayapatnam Port in Andhra Pradesh’s Nellore district is progressing well, putting the port on track to become a significant player in cargo handling. With the completion of the first phase of the project expected soon, the port is set to handle a staggering 138 million metric tons of cargo annually.
The Ramayapatnam Port Development Corporation Limited, operating under the Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board, is responsible for executing the project on behalf of the state government. The ambitious project, estimated to cost Rs 3,736 crore, utilizes the engineering, procurement, and construction model.
Under the first phase of development, the port will initially feature four berths with a cargo handling capacity of 34 million metric tons per year. This capacity is expected to greatly enhance the efficient movement of goods and materials in the region. As the port progresses, it will eventually boast a total of 19 berths, supporting its impressive cargo handling capacity.
The south and north breakwater works at the port are nearing completion, with dredging and reclamation works scheduled for completion by September. Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy laid the foundation stone for the construction of the port in July 2022, and since then, substantial progress has been made, bringing the completion of the first phase within sight.
The strategic location of Ramayapatnam Port will benefit its main hinterland, which encompasses the Andhra Pradesh districts of Nellore, Prakasam, Guntur, and Kurnool, as well as Telangana’s Nalgonda, Mahabubnagar, Rangareddy, and Hyderabad. In addition to the primary hinterland, the port will serve secondary hinterlands including YSR Kadapa, Chittoor, Anantapur, and other parts of Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.
The Andhra Pradesh government’s investment in Ramayapatnam Port holds promising potential. With an estimated debt-to-equity ratio of 58:42 and an impressive internal rate of return of 18.99 percent, the port is expected to drive economic growth and expand trade opportunities for the region.
As the construction of Ramayapatnam Port nears completion, it is set to become a vital gateway for cargo handling in India. Its strategic location, modern infrastructure, and impressive capacity make it a significant addition to the country’s maritime industry. The completion of the first phase is just the beginning of what promises to be a transformative project, bolstering economic development and strengthening India’s position in the global trade landscape.
