*Visakhapatnam Port Trust 88 th foundation day special*

*(DNS report : Sairam CVS, Bureau chief, Vizag)* 

*Visakhapatnam, October 06,  2021 (DNS Online):* The Visakhapatnam Port Trust is the jewel in the crown of the Indian economy, trade and commerce. She is playing big role in  building the nation at the top in Globe. On the occasion of its 88th foundation day on October 7th, some of its achievements in this financial year on the occasion of Emergence Day. She has been in leading role under the leadership of its chairman Mr. K. Rama Mohan Rao.

    Port of Visakhapatnam handled 33.41 million tonnes for the period from 1.4.2021 to 30.9.2021 as against 32.70 million tonnes during the corresponding period of

previous year.  Registered an increase of 2% in cargo volume even in Pandemic effect of COVID-19.

    Significant growth is registered in Thermal Coal (161%), Steam Coal (45%) and Containers (7%) when compared to the corresponding period of previous year.

    To meet any eventuality of COVID-19 3rd wave, procured enough Oxygen Cylinders and concentrators to meet any exigencies.

    Monthly meetings are conducting with the PPP Operators for resolving the pending and operational issues.

    Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav was observed on 27.07.2021.  Activities were conducted in June and July, 2021.  In August, 2021, we have to conduct the next programme

from 27.08.2021 to 05.09.2021 and the theme is Self Defence, Yoga Classes and other Training Programmes besides identifying certain good activities and also about Inauguration and laying of Foundation Stone for some activities.

    Port of Visahapatnam has successfully completed the External / Renewal Audit of IMS (3 Management systems) viz., Quality Management System ISO 9001:2015 : Environmental Management System ISO 14001:2015 and Occupational Health Management System upgraded to ISO 45001:2018 through virtual from 17.08.2021 to 20.08.2021. 

(i)    Construction of Covered Storage in Port area of size 400X40X17m including necessary drains, road and water supply at an estimated cost of 36.38 Crores.  “Likely date of Award by November,

2021”.

(ii)    Repair and Rehabilitation of ORS jetty in entrance channel of VPT at an estimated cost of 21.47 Crores  “Likely date of Award by November, 2021”.

(iii)    Proposed construction of Cruise-cum-Coastal cargo terminal along with other infrastructure and amenities at Channel Berth area in Outer Harbour of VPT at an estimated cost of  96.05 Crores  “Likely date of Award by October, 2021”.

(iv)    Electrification of VPT Railway lines 45.143 TKM for VPT at an estimated cost of 22.04 Crores. “Letter of Award issued to M/s.IPRCL on 14.07.2021”.

(v)    Upgradation of Fire Fighting Facilities of OSTT berth to

accommodate vessels of capacity 1,00,000 DWT and above (Cape size vessels) as per OISD 156 guidelines. (Deposit work for HPCL by VPT) at en estimated cost of 32.05 Crores. LOI issued on13.09.2021.

(vi)    Mechanisation of WQ-7&8 Berth through PPP mode on DBFOT basis (capacity addition 6.14 MTPA) at an estimated cost of 288.47 Crores “Likely date of Award April, 2022”.

(i)    Revamping of R&D yard to Railway standards by providing RRI for R&D yard and panel interlocking for individual cabins at VPT at an estimated cost of 28.40 Crores. “Likely date of completion by November, 2021”.

(ii)    Repairs / Rehabilitation of LPG berth including mooring & breasting dolphins in the

outer harbour at an estimated cost of 4.39 Crores “Likely date of completion by February, 2022”.

(iii)    Extension of the existing Container terminal on DBFOT basis at an estimated cost of 633.11 Crores (capacity addition 0.54 MTEUs) “Likely date of completion by February, 2022”.

(iv)    Providing New Fire Fighting Facilities suitable to the upgrading capacities of Berths OR-1 & OR-2 to accommodate 50,000 to 1,00,000 DWT vessels (Panamax vessels) as per OISD 156 guidelines in a phased manner – Phase-I at an estimated cost of 4.93 Crores “Likely date of completion by November, 2021”.

    Green Belt: was developed around the stack yards. Plantation programme is being

pursued by VPT on a continuous basis for the last 2 decades for continual improvement and addition of Green Belt in and around Port area. Since 1990s, 430,000 plantation was done covering an area of 630 Acs at different areas including Port operational areas, residential and city areas. Most of the Greenery was damaged due to Hud-hud cyclone occurred on 12.10.2014. To compensate the lost greenery, 5.65 lakh number of plants allotted to VPT under Green Visakha by the District Administration. VPT has already planted about 4.625 lakhs of plants. 1.02 lakhs plantation is taken up during 2020-21 at a cost of Rs.3.84 Crores and so far 70,000 plantation is completed and balance will be completed by end of 2022.

    Truck Mounted Fog Canons: 2 No.s deployed to suppress the dust while loading /

unloading cargo at berth and stack yards at a capital cost of Rs.0.90 Crores. Two trolley mounted Fog canons are expected by end of this Year.

    High rise walls: Constructed high rise wall as dust barrier of 7.50m height and 1.70KM long i.e. from the Sea Horse Junction to Convent Junction at the city interface at a cost of Rs.9.75 Crores.