Visakhapatnam - 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.

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 also visited Dredging Corporation of India Ltd and reviewed the projects being taken up in DCI.

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.