International Cruise Terminal Inaugurated at Visakhapatnam Port

The International Cruise Terminal at Visakhapatnam Port was officially inaugurated on September 4th. The ceremony was graced by the presence of Shri Shripad Naik, Minister of Tourism (State), Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister of Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Dr. M. Angamuthu, IAS, the Chairperson of VPA, and various other esteemed dignitaries.

Download Free February 2024 BOLT PDF (Current Affairs)

About Vizag International Cruise Terminal

The newly opened International Cruise Terminal is now ready to cater to both domestic and international cruise tourism along the eastern coast of India. This state-of-the-art facility aims to provide tourists with a truly transformative experience while also contributing to economic growth and the well-being of local communities.

Cruise Terminal Project

This visionary project was set in motion in response to a proposal from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways.

The Vishakhapatnam Port Trust (VPT) had set the total project cost at ₹77 crores. Of this amount, the Ministry of Tourism committed to providing 50 percent of the funding, which equates to ₹38.50 crores. The remainder of the expenses were covered by Vishakhapatnam Port Trust (VPT) through their internal resources.

The Cruise Terminal Building covers an expansive area of 4,580.46 square meters, comprising both the ground floor and the first floor.

The Ministry of Tourism’s Role

The Ministry of Tourism played a vital role by approving partial funding for the development of the Cruise-Cum Cargo Terminal at the channel berth in the outer harbor of Visakhapatnam Port. This support came under the Scheme of Assistance to Central Agencies for Tourism Infrastructure Development during the financial year 2018-19.

It’s worth highlighting that out of the approved Ministry of Tourism funding of ₹38.50 crores, a significant sum of ₹29.91 crores, making up 77.6 percent of the approved funding, has already been disbursed and fully utilized by Vishakhapatnam Port Trust (VPT).

Features of Cruise Terminal

The International Cruise Terminal will function as a dedicated Cruise Terminal from November to March, serving passengers from all corners of the globe. In the months from April to October, the berth will be utilized for Coastal Cargo operations.

Berth Length: The terminal boasts a berth that spans 180 meters in length.
Mooring Dolphins: Four mooring dolphins are in place, with two on each side, extending the total length to an impressive 300 meters.
Terminal Building: The terminal is housed within a spacious building covering an area of 2,000 square meters. It is equipped with all the essential amenities to cater to the needs of travelers.
Parking Facilities: Ample parking space is available, accommodating seven buses, 70 cars, and 40 two-wheelers, ensuring convenience for visitors.
Road Connectivity: The terminal enjoys excellent road connectivity, making it easily accessible for travelers.

This modern facility is well-equipped with essential amenities, including lounges, customs, immigration, quarantine counters, baggage handling services, security scanning, a spacious concourse, a restaurant, entertainment options, shopping outlets, healthcare services, business exhibition areas, currency exchange counters, comprehensive CCTV coverage, and ample parking space.

Significance

This significant undertaking underscores India’s dedication to promoting tourism growth, advancing infrastructure, and embracing environmental awareness. It serves as a symbol of the fruitful collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, making a substantial contribution to India’s tourism prospects and economic well-being.

Visakhapatnam Port

Visakhapatnam Port is one of the 12 major ports in India. It is located on the Bay of Bengal, about 880 kilometers south of Kolkata and 780 kilometers north of Chennai.

Special Features of Visakhapatnam Port

It is the third largest state-owned port by volume of cargo handled in India.
It is the largest port on the Eastern Coast of India.
It is a natural deep-water port, which makes it accessible to large ships.
It is well-connected to the national railway network and road network.
It has a modern container terminal that can handle large volumes of containerized cargo.
It is committed to sustainable development and has implemented a number of measures to reduce its environmental impact. These measures include the use of cleaner fuels, the installation of pollution control equipment, and the development of green technologies.

Visakhapatnam port is a major economic asset for the region and the country. It provides employment to over 100,000 people and contributes to the national GDP. The port is also a major gateway for trade between India and the rest of the world.

Shubham Mittal

Shubham Mittal is a renowned current affairs writer and expert in government exam preparation, inspiring readers with insightful articles and guiding aspirants with his expertise.

Oliveboard Live Courses & Mock Test Series