Shri Shantanu Thakur, Hon’ble Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, reviewed the progress of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects undertaken by Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) and held an interactive meeting with key stakeholders of the port during an official visit on May 7.
The Hon’ble Minister appreciated the team spirit and developmental initiatives of VPA and encouraged the Port Authority to explore opportunities in shipbuilding, ship repair, ship recycling and cruise tourism in keeping with its status as a strategic port in Andhra Pradesh , a state that is blessed with a long coastline.
During a review meeting held by the Hon’ble Minister, the Chairperson of VPA, Dr. M. Angamuthu, IAS, made a detailed presentation highlighting the infrastructure facilities, key performance indicators, rail and road connectivity, modernization efforts, green initiatives including plantation and solar energy projects, upgradation of the fishing harbour, and implementation of dust suppression systems.
The Hon’ble Minister was also apprised about the Information Technology (IT) initiatives and community outreach efforts undertaken by the Port Authority through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), including skill training, educational programs for tribal youth, and placement support in reputed organizations.
During the stakeholders meeting, the Hon’ble Minister urged them to explore all possibilities to make use of green initiatives in back-end and front end of the operations to align with the Prime Minister’s vision to make India pollution free.
The Chairperson assured the Hon’ble Minister that his suggestions would be taken forward for the overall growth and development of the Port.
The Hon’ble Minister was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour upon his arrival. He visited various operational areas of the Port.
The Hon’ble Minister also visited Dredging Corporation of India Ltd and reviewed the projects being taken up in DCI.
During his visit to the Centre of Excellence in Maritime & Ship Building, the Hon’ble Minister distributed Course Completion Certificates and Placement Certificates to 60 Tribal Youths of Alluri Seetharamaraju District in the field of Arc Welding and Inventory Clerk as a part of CSR initiative under Skill Development Programme sponsored by Visakhapatnam Port Authority. The District Collector of ASR District lauded VPA for sponsoring the programme through CSR funds to empower the tribal youth.
Shri Durgesh Kumar Dubey, IRTS, Deputy Chairperson, Shri P.S.L. Swami, IOFS, Chief Vigilance Officer, along with Heads of Departments and senior officers of VPA, were present during the visit of the Hon’ble Minister.
