Vizag's upcoming cruise terminal a pride project of Andhra

Visakhapatnam: The design for establishing a world-class cruise terminal at the Visakhapatnam Port Trust (VPT) is ready. IIT- Madras was entrusted with the job of designing Vizag cruise terminal. If all goes according to plans, works Vizag cruise terminal would be completed by March 2021.

Deputy chairman of VPT, P.L. Haranadh said, “The cruise terminal will help tap the tourism potential of Andhra Pradesh. VPT has already got the green signal from the ministry of shipping for developing a world-class cruise terminal at its' inner harbour. Vizag's cruise terminal will accommodate passengers arriving on international cruise vessels.”

As per initial estimates, the terminal project will cost around Rs 80 crore, of which 50 per cent will be funded by the Union government and the remaining by the VPT. Presently, one passenger-cum-cargo ship sails from Vizag to the Andaman and Nicobar island twice a month, operated by the island administration. Once the cruise terminal comes up VPT can become an international cruise hub.

After submitting a Detailed Project Report (DPR) to identify facilities required for the development of a cruise terminal at its inner harbour, VPT received the go-ahead nod for development. The DPR took into consideration the facilities required for attracting cruise vessels and also the architectural and structural designs, apart from the potential of Vizag being developed for cruise tourism.

“If the cruise terminal becomes a reality, it can easily accommodate cruise vessels carrying about 2,000 passengers. International cruise passengers sailing from different parts of the world can now enjoy Visakhapatnam as a destination as well,” said Mr Haranadh.

Once ready, it will help the Andhra Pradesh government to attract more domestic as well as foreign tourists to the city by optimally utilising the port facilities.

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