Andhra Pradesh’s Greenfield Ports: Transforming India’s Maritime Economy

Andhra Pradesh is on track to become a major player in India’s maritime sector with significant investments in four new greenfield ports. These ports, located in Mulapeta, Ramayapatnam, Machilipatnam, and Kakinada SEZ, are expected to revolutionize the state’s maritime infrastructure. The government has allocated Rs 400 crore in the FY 2025-26 budget to support these projects, aiming to unlock a $20 billion blue economy by 2035. The investments include funds for land acquisition and development, with a combined cost of Rs 17,689.26 crore and a target capacity of 145 million tonnes per annum by 2030, creating over 75,000 jobs.

Among the four ports, progress varies with Mulapeta and Ramayapatnam leading the way in completion percentages. Mulapeta, managed by Vishwa Samudra Ports, is 27.69% complete and is scheduled for completion by April 2026. Ramayapatnam, under Navayuga Engineering, is at 52.91% completion with a deadline set for December 2025. Kakinada SEZ, a public-private partnership, is at 20.80% progress, while Machilipatnam is facing delays and is at 27.30% completion. These new ports will complement the existing maritime strength of Andhra Pradesh, including the bustling Visakhapatnam Port which handled 41.79 million tonnes of cargo in the first half of 2024.

The development of these greenfield ports is crucial for Andhra Pradesh’s goal of becoming a key player in India’s maritime future. The state’s long coastline of 1,053 km provides ample opportunities for growth in the maritime sector. With strategic investments and a clear vision for the future, Andhra Pradesh is poised to significantly contribute to the country’s blue economy and create new avenues for economic growth and development.

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