AP plans Rs. 32,000-cr port project

The AP government is all set to launch the process of converting the planned captive port into a commercial port at Kakinada in East Godavari district and also a petrochemical complex in the Vizag-Kakinada area at a cost of Rs. 32,000cr, said sources, claiming that the commercial port at Kakinada may also include development of an LNG terminal. The commercial port is expected to be developed at Kona Village of Thondangi Mandal in East Godavari District. The investment for the development of the commercial port is expected to be around Rs. 2,000-cr with three berths likely to be developed in the first phase followed by four more berths in the second phase. The state has decided to develop a commercial port through the Swiss Challenge approach following a proposal by KSEZ. Kakinada already has two ports including the Kakinada Sea Ports Limited and Kakinada Anchorage Port. The process of developing a commercial port at Kakinada is at an advanced stage and the notification for the public hearing will be issued shortly. The major cargo for the proposed commercial port is expected from KSEZ as well as the proposed petrochemical complex in the Vizag-Kakinada region.