60-Million Tonne Mark Crossed by the Visakhapatnam Port

As it is a known fact that the Visakhapatnam port is one of the busiest ports in South India, it has made another landmark by crossing 60-million tonne mark during the financial year 2016-17 which concluded yesterday. The port has handled 57-million tonnes of cargo last year and this year it has touched the 60-million tonne mark after several years.

Reportedly, the actual throughput figure is not yet computed but the officials had said that it has already crossed the 60-million tonne mark and is expected to touch about 61-million tonne. According to reports, PL Harnadh, Deputy Chairman said, “It is a very creditable performance. We are happy with it. We have improved our efficiency parameters and our clients are happy with us. We have taken up a number of projects which are in execution stage. The port’s performance is set to improve further.”

With this landmark, Vizag might land up as the fourth or fifth port among the major ports in the country. Iron ore cargo had gone up by 5-6 million tonnes but coal handling had come down by 4-5 million tonnes in comparison with last year. The port handled container cargo of 1.25 million tonnes, up by 26%.

Visakhapatnam Port is one of the 13 major ports in India and the only major port of Andhra Pradesh. It is India’s second largest port by volume of cargo handled. It is located on the east coast of India and is located midway between the Chennai and Kolkata Ports. The port faces stiff competition from neighbouring Gangavaram port and other private ports in the State such as Kakinada and Krishnapatnam besides Paradip in Odisha.