Historic Machilipatnam Port Set to Revival by 2026

Machilipatnam, an old port city in Andhra Pradesh, is getting a fresh start. A new greenfield port is being built at Manginapudi, and 48% of the construction is already done. The port is expected to start working by the end of 2026, bringing economic growth and job opportunities. This project is important for both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Construction in Full Swing

The new port is being built by Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Ltd (MEIL). About 1,250 workers are working day and night in two shifts. According to G Tulasidas, the project manager, the construction is going well and the port should be ready by late 2026.

This port is also a big engineering task. Workers are dredging 56 million cubic metres of sand so ships can reach the berths. A 2.5 km long breakwater is being built using 2.1 million tonnes of rock. To protect the port from strong sea waves, special concrete blocks called tetrapods are being used. Over 55% of these tetrapods have already been placed.

Long Struggle to Build the Port

Plans to build the port started back in 2007, but many problems delayed the project. The first contract went to Maytas, a part of the Satyam Group, but it was later cancelled. Then, Navayuga got the contract, which was again cancelled when the YSR Congress Party came to power.

In 2020, the government created a new company called Machilipatnam Port Development Corporation Ltd to handle the project. It follows the Landlord Model, where the government owns the port and private firms operate it. MEIL was given the task of building the port.

The first phase will cost ₹5,155 crore and will have four berths. Later, it can be expanded to 16 berths, with a total handling capacity of 36 million tonnes per year. Large ships weighing up to 80,000 tonnes will be able to dock here.

Economic Boost for Two States

Both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are expecting to benefit from the port. A senior officer from the Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board said that the port will handle exports such as coal, cement, pharma, fertilisers, and containers.

The Telangana government is also planning to build a dry port and a freight corridor to connect to this port. Local people are hopeful too. “Land rates are rising and jobs will come,” said P Bhanu, a resident of Manginapudi village. After years of waiting, the port is bringing new hope to the area.