Minister Sonowal Reports Rs 3,300 Crore Sagarmala Proposals for Andhra Pradesh to Lok Sabha

In a significant development, Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal informed the Lok Sabha about the receipt of 29 new proposals from Andhra Pradesh under the Sagarmala Project. With an estimated value of Rs 3,300 crore, these initiatives focus on port development and fish landing centers. The financial aid and funding plans for the fiscal years 2023-24 and 2024-25 were also detailed.

Key Highlights:

1. Proposals and Funding:
   • Minister Sonowal confirmed receiving 90 project proposals from Andhra Pradesh and the Visakhapatnam Port Trust under the Sagarmala Project.
   • These proposals encompass detailed estimates, completion timelines, execution plans, and budget allocations for 2023-24 and 2024-25.
   • Among these, 29 new projects worth approximately Rs 3,300 crore from Andhra Pradesh focus on port development and fish landing centers.
2. Ongoing Projects:
   • Financial backing for 13 ongoing projects in Andhra Pradesh, valued at Rs 2,500 crore, was highlighted. These include Ro-Pax jetties, fishing harbors, and skill development initiatives.
3. Visakhapatnam Port Authority and IWAI Projects:
   • The Visakhapatnam Port Authority and IWAI are undertaking 36 projects worth Rs 4,600 crore in the state.
   • Of these, 22 projects worth Rs 2,530 crore have been completed, while 14 projects valued at Rs 2,070 crore are in various stages of implementation.
   • A new international cruise terminal at Visakhapatnam Port has also been established.
4. Financial Aid for Social Impact Projects:
   • Projects with high social impact but low return on investment receive financial aid under the Sagarmala Scheme.
   • The Minister urged the Andhra Pradesh government to restructure certain projects and explore funding options under PM GatiShakti.
5. Sagarmala Programme’s Broader Goals:
   • The Sagarmala Programme aims to modernize the maritime sector through Public-Private Partnerships, equity participation, and grant-in-aid assistance.
   • Two Centres of Excellence in Maritime and Shipbuilding have been established, with the Visakhapatnam centre having trained over 10,000 students.
   • A recent approval for upgrading the Visakhapatnam Port Authority’s hospital to a 300-bed multi-disciplinary super specialty facility under PPP mode, costing Rs 222.43 crore, was also noted. This project is expected to rationalize medical expenditures and create job opportunities.

This extensive update underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to enhancing maritime infrastructure and promoting coastal community development through the Sagarmala Programme.