Construction work of the cruise terminal at Visakhapatnam Port to begin

The Visakhapatnam Port will see the construction of a new ‘cruise terminal’ by the end of this month. The construction work is expected to begin soon with the Navy recently issuing a No Objection Certificate (NOC) along with the approval from the Andhra Pradesh State Environmental Impact Assembly (AP SEIAA).

The cruise terminal was proposed two years ago as a means to boost the immense tourism potential of the Visakhapatnam region. Unfortunately, the construction of the world-class cruise terminal in Visakhapatnam could not be started due to the delay in the issuance of necessary clearances.

Designed by IIT-Madras, this cruise berth is estimated to be 330 metres long and 15 metres wide. This is to enable the berthing of Panamax vessels, which can accommodate almost 2,500 passengers. Once the cruise terminal is ready, Visakhapatnam will also be a ‘port of call’ similar to Chennai and Goa. A ‘port of call’ is a pit stop for ships in order to conduct cargo operations and replenish fuel and supplies. After this is done, tourism circuit packages will be introduced and agents will arrange local tours in the coastal city for the crew of these ships.

Initially, the plan was to construct the berth at an estimated cost of Rs 55 crore and the cruise terminal building at Rs 22 crore in Visakhapatnam. However, the design consultants, IIT-Madras, and the architectural consultants have submitted a revised cost estimate of Rs 64.24 crore, for the berth, and Rs 31.81 crore for the terminal building. The terminal building will have facilities like passenger gangways, a lounge, a restaurant and other facilities for entertainment and recreation, shopping, customs, immigration, etc. The revised cost has been approved by the Visakhapatnam Port and also received the approval of the Economic Advisor and Ministry of Tourism.

S.V. Enviro Labs and Consultants, Visakhapatnam have been summoned to carry out an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study and to obtain an environmental clearance and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) from AP SEIAA.