Archive · 9 Oct 2026
Visakhapatnam Port Marks 93 Years of Maritime Growth
Visakhapatnam Port celebrated its 93rd Foundation Day.
It first opened to ships in 1933, when the passenger vessel SS Jaladurga arrived.
The port has grown from handling a small amount of cargo to a record 91.17 million tonnes in 2025-26.
It also handled more cargo in April through September than it did in the same period the previous year.
The port is building and upgrading facilities to help ships and cargo move more smoothly.
It is also using digital systems to manage gates and port operations.
Plans for a maritime cluster and coastal development are intended to support investment, jobs and regional growth.
The port handles goods for industries such as steel, power, mining and petroleum.
Visakhapatnam Port opened to ocean traffic on October 7, 1933, and was formally inaugurated on December 19 that year.
Cargo traffic rose from 0.13 million tonnes in 1933-34 to a record 91.17 million tonnes in 2025-26.
From April to September, the port handled 46.14 million tonnes, up 7 percent from the corresponding period last year.
Projects include a Rs.334.89-crore internal flyover system, mechanisation works, railway upgrades and deepening the Western Arm to 15.5 metres.
Digital initiatives include an RFID-based automated gate system and the i-Portman Port Operation System.
- Who
- Visakhapatnam Port Authority, led by Chairperson J.S. Bindra and Deputy Chairperson Roshni Aparanji Korati.
- What
- The port marked its 93rd Foundation Day and reported record cargo throughput of 91.17 million tonnes in 2025-26.
- When
- The port's Foundation Day celebrations marked 93 years since its 1933 opening; the record throughput was in 2025-26.
- Where
- Visakhapatnam, on India's east coast.
- Why
- The milestone celebrates the port's growth and development as a maritime gateway supporting industry and regional and national economic activity.
- Ocean traffic opened
- October 7, 1933, with the arrival of SS Jaladurga
- Formal inauguration
- December 19, 1933, by Lord Willingdon
- Record cargo throughput
- 91.17 million tonnes in 2025-26
- April-September cargo
- 46.14 million tonnes, compared with 43.09 million tonnes in the corresponding period last year
- April-September growth
- 7 percent
- Infrastructure projects
- Approximately Rs.615 crore
- Operations and maintenance projects
- Approximately Rs.400 crore, likely to be commissioned by March 2027