In a major initiative to ensure faster evacuation of cargo, Visakhapatnam Port Trust and National Highway Authority of India will take up Rs.100 crore port connectivity road widening project.
VPT and NHAI have decided in-principle to pick up equity of Rs.20 crore each as part of the second phase of their joint venture under special purpose vehicle Visakhapatnam Port Road Company Limited (VPRCL). VPT and NHAI will seek loan from financial institutes for remaining Rs. 60 crore, sources in VPT told The Hindu .
Earlier, a proposal was mooted to take it up by inviting a BOT operator. The second phase project would involve widening the existing road into four lanes and laying a service road. The existing toll plaza will also be relocated.
The port has also approved the detailed project report submitted by Kolkata-based STUP Consultants.
The Ministry of Shipping had advised the port and the NHAI to improve connectivity to the port with the highway to ensure speedy cargo evacuation.
The port has also sought funding as part of its long-term plan under Sagarmala project for developing an elevated corridor in two parts – one from Ayyappaswamy temple junction towards Gajuwaka and Steel Plant and another from the temple junction to Anakapalle and Anandapuram via Duvvada. The project will need Rs.800 crore to Rs.1,000 crore.
Welcoming the initiatives, VPT trustee and Visakhapatnam Stevedores’ Association president Krishna Kumar said rake problem was another issue which needed urgent attention to ensure faster evacuation.
The port gets 10 to 12 rakes per day by the railways as against a demand of 20 to 25 rakes. During the visit of Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu, representatives from the industry asked him to speed up the electrification of second lane towards Raipur route.
“To overcome the rake problem, inward cargo like thermal coal, which is in high demand for power plants of Tamil Nadu, should be explored. This will also prevent financial stress on railways by providing empty rakes,” Mr. Krishna Kumar said.