Machilipatnam is undergoing revitalization to regain its status as a major port after years of decline. Located at the Krishna River’s mouth in the Bay of Bengal, the city thrived historically until changes in British policy hindered its development. Currently, about 48% of the new Greenfield port in Manginapudi is complete, with 1,250 workers engaged in around-the-clock construction. This ambitious project involves dredging 56 million cubic meters of sand and constructing a 2.5-kilometer seawall, utilizing 2.1 million tons of rock and heavy concrete tetrapods for protection.
The port’s development has faced numerous challenges since the initial contract was awarded to Maytas in 2007. Subsequently reassigned to Navayuga and later canceled under a new government, the project found new momentum in 2020 with the establishment of the Machilipatnam Port Development Corporation LTD. The first phase will include four berths at a cost of approximately £5.155 billion, with future plans for expansion to 16 berths, aiming to accommodate ships of up to 80,000 tons.
Both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana anticipate substantial benefits from the port, which will significantly facilitate exports like coal, pharmaceuticals, and cement. Additionally, Telangana is developing a dry harbor system alongside a dedicated freight corridor to enhance operational efficiency at the port.
