Machilipatnam Port Set to be Completed by December 2025, Says AP Chief Minister.

The construction of Machilipatnam port is set to be completed by December 2025, according to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. Speaking to reporters after inspecting the port works in Machilipatnam on Wednesday, Naidu emphasized that the port will be developed as a “Capital Port” to complement the new Greenfield capital, Amaravati, due to its proximity.

Located approximately 70 km from Vijayawada, Machilipatnam port, also known as Bandar Port, is conveniently connected to Vijayawada via an expressway. The Chief Minister noted that the port's location will significantly benefit industries and attract prospective investors to the state.

Regarding the port's capacity, Naidu stated that the current plan includes the development of four berths, which will be sufficient for initial operations, with the option to expand capacity as needed in the future. He pointed out that while construction commenced during the previous Telugu Desam Party (TDP) government from 2014 to 2019, the project had been stalled under the YSR Congress Party government, which lost its mandate in the recent elections.

The Greenfield port at Manginapudi, near Machilipatnam, is being developed on approximately 1,145 acres. It will feature a draft of 14.5 meters and is designed to accommodate vessels weighing around 60,000 deadweight tonnage (DWT) during its initial phase.

The upcoming port has received environmental clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, and a special purpose vehicle, Machilipatnam Port Development Corporation Ltd, has been established for its development. Additionally, the Power Finance Corporation has approved a loan of ₹4,500 crore for the project.

HBL