Mulapeta Port Nears 70% Completion, December 2026 Target Set

Andhra Pradesh Minister for Investments and Infrastructure B. C. Janardhan Reddy on Tuesday said the greenfield port at Mulapeta in Srikakulam district is progressing steadily, with the state government setting a deadline of December 2026 for its completion.

Addressing criticism from opposition parties, the Minister said the NDA government under Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had accorded top priority to the project and accelerated its execution after assuming office in 2024. He stated that close to 70 per cent of the construction work has been completed so far, with an expenditure of ₹1,835 crore.

Countering allegations by the YSR Congress Party, Mr. Reddy said official records indicate that only about 25 per cent of the project was completed during the previous regime, with an outlay of ₹718 crore. “In the last 20 months alone, over 44 per cent of the work has been completed, which reflects the pace at which the current government is pushing the project,” he said.

Providing an update on the progress, the Minister said critical components such as the breakwater, dredging operations, and berth construction have advanced significantly. He added that work on onshore facilities, including storage and handling infrastructure, as well as external connectivity such as road and rail links, is currently underway.

Mr. Reddy also said that key bottlenecks that had slowed progress earlier, including land acquisition, rehabilitation of affected families, and connectivity issues, are now being actively resolved. “We are ensuring that all pending clearances and logistical challenges are addressed in a time-bound manner so that the project remains on track,” he said.

Officials in the infrastructure department indicated that the Mulapeta port is expected to emerge as a major maritime gateway for north coastal Andhra Pradesh, improving cargo handling capacity and reducing logistics costs for industries in the region. The port is also expected to complement existing facilities and decongest traffic at other ports along the eastern seaboard.

Experts note that once operational, the port could play a key role in attracting investments into sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, and exports, particularly in Srikakulam and neighbouring districts. Improved connectivity and port-led development are also likely to generate employment opportunities and boost ancillary industries.

Reiterating the government’s commitment, the Minister said the project would serve as a catalyst for economic growth in north coastal Andhra Pradesh and strengthen the state’s position in maritime trade.